VANCOUVER - The No.5-ranked UBC Thunderbirds rebounded from their first loss in fine fashion as they downed the Saskachewan Huskies 3-1 at Thunderbird Park.
Janine Frazao's team-leading sixth goal stood up as the winner as her second-half marker ensured the T-Birds ended their four-game homestand on a high note.
The Thunderbirds (4-1-1) attacked persistently and with purpose throughout the match keeping the Huskies (1-4-1) off-balance with their speed and well placed passes. This was exemplified on UBC's first goal when
Carmen Lindsay beat a Huskies defender and went in clear down the right side. The veteran midfielder then sent a perfect cross into
Natalie Hirayama who put enough pace on the ball to deflect it off the keeper and inside the near post.
UBC head coach Mark Rogers was pleased with his team's effort on Saturday.
"Our girls worked their butts off. They turned away (the Huskies) chances and were rewarded for their hard work", said Rogers.
The eventual winner came in the 63rd minute off of a sight seen too often so far this year for the T-Birds.
Lisa Furutani received the ball and sent a rising shot towards the goal only to see it meet the crossbar, however, Frazao was there to head home the rebound and push the T-Birds' lead to 2-0.
Saskatchewan had their chances to get on the scoreboard in the first half as Jamie LeMay found herself behind the UBC on three separate occasion. Each of her efforts were turned aside by relentless UBC defending or by solid saves by T-Bird keeper
Meghan Best who had one of her strongest games of the season.
The visitors best chance came in the ninth minute when LeMay was in alone on the right flank and had a clear shot on net but Best played the angle well and was able to dive to her right and stop the shot labeled for the far corner.
The T-Birds added an insurance marker in the 69th minute when Rachel Sawer received a ball over the top and eluded the Huskies' defence before firing a low strike inside the far post.
Rogers was happy to see his team find the net. He believes their full potential has yet to be realized.
"We were able to find the net tonight but we have to improve our conversion. We need to learn to be more ruthless around the opposing team's goal and we need to learn that lesson quickly", said Rogers.
Saskatchewan ended Best's bid at a clean sheet in the 89th minute. A through ball found LeMay but the striker was again thwarted by Best, however, the rebound fell to midfielder Daniela Fuenzalida who fired the ball into the vacant UBC goal.
The Thunderbirds have a pair of road matches against inter-provincial rivals Fraser Valley and Victoria before returning home in two weeks to host those same two teams. Saskatchewan will face Winnipeg and Regina in road contests as well next weekend.
-30-
