VANCOUVER - The No. 4 UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team will host its final two games of the 2011 Canada West regular season this weekend.
GAME TIMES
Friday, October 21 - No. 7 Alberta at No. 4 UBC (5:00 p.m. at Thunderbird Park, Vancouver)
Saturday, October 22 - Saskatchewan at No. 4 UBC (5:00 p.m. at Thunderbird Park, Vancouver)
No. 4 UBC Thunderbirds
2011 conference record: 7-1-2 (3rd)
2011 CIS ranking: 4
Last week: tied Trinity Western 1-1
Streak: 1 tie
Two rare things happened to the UBC Thunderbirds last weekend.
First, they failed to win their game, settling for a 1-1 tie against Trinity Western that ended a four-game win streak. Second, they conceded a goal - just their third goal against in ten regular season games.
The 'Birds are still on pace to set Canada West records in shutouts and goals against heading into the final two weeks of the season, but the more important matter at hand is locking up a playoff spot. UBC is currently third in the standings, two points behind first place Trinity Western and five up on fourth place Victoria.
That means that while they could still push for the top spot and Final Four hosting rights, they could also fall out of playoff position entirely depending on their results in the four games remaining on the regular season schedule. Both their opponents this week are major players in the playoff picture, with the Pandas holding a one-point edge over the 'Birds while the Huskies chase them from behind.
Janine Frazao is tied for the league lead with eight goals but hasn't found the back of the net in UBC's last four games. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the team's secondary scorers have been shouldering more of the load lately, but the 'Birds will need their big weapon to be on her game as they close out the regular season with some key matchups.
No. 7 Alberta Pandas
2011 conference record: 8-2 (2nd)
2011 CIS ranking: 7
Last week: beat Calgary 3-0, beat Lethbridge 2-0
Streak: 2 wins
The Pandas picked up two shutout wins over Calgary and Lethbridge last weekend to overtake UBC for second place in the standings. Their potent offence leads the league in scoring, and also holds the distinction of scoring two of the three goals UBC has allowed this season in their 2-0 over the 'Birds earlier this year.
Heather Lund scored one goal last weekend to put her in a tie with Frazao for the league lead with eight. Amanda Black also added one to her scoring total last weekend, giving her six overall.
Not to be overshadowed by the firepower of the offence, the Alberta defence has quietly put together a stellar season as well. The Pandas have only allowed five goals all season and have four shutouts in their last five games. First-team Canada West All Star Shalla Kadima and Victoria Saccomani have both played every minute of regular season action on the Pandas' back line.
Saskatchewan Huskies
2011 conference record: 5-3-2 (5th)
2011 CIS ranking: 7
Last week: beat Lethbridge 3-0, tied Calgary 1-1
Streak: 1 tie
The Huskies beat Lethbridge 3-0 last weekend before settling for a 1-1 draw against Calgary, leaving them outside the Final Four picture by just a point heading into this weekend.
Victoria currently holds that fourth and final spot, and they finish their schedule with four games against teams that are well below .500, so the Huskies can't expect to get much help as they make their push for the postseason.
They managed a scoreless draw against UBC early in the season, but will probably need wins this weekend if they want to avoid a repeat of last year, when they finished fifth and just missed the playoffs. Canada West All Stars Elizabeth Hudon and Daniela Fuenzalida lead the team with six and three goals respectively. Lindsay Manz also has three this season.
