Janine Frazao's strike didn't come on the best chance of the game but it was enough for her No. 5-ranked UBC Thunderbirds to claim a 1-0 victory over the visiting Regina Cougars in UBC's home-opener Friday afternoon at Thunderbird Park.
Rachael Sawer sent a cross into the area from deep in the Regina zone, which was misplayed by Regina keeper Stephanie Possberg. The ball popped free and onto the foot of the always dangerous Frazao who made no mistake depositing the goalie's gaff into the back of the net.
UBC (2-0-0) continued to put on the pressure, threatening with crosses throughout the remainder of half but could not extend their lead against the visiting Cougars (0-2-1).
The lack of finish was not missed by UBC head coach Mark Rogers.
"Our attack was not ruthless enough today," said Rogers. "We created enough chances to score more than we did but a 1-0 win is still a win."
Regina's best chance to equalize came eight minutes before the break when a foul gave the visitors a free kick from five yards outside the UBC area. Tayler Firth took the opportunity to send the ball on goal but missed high and wide.
The second half saw much of the same as the T-Birds continued to send balls towards their opponents' goal ultimately outshooting the Cougars 14-6. UBC also doubled Regina's shots on target forcing Possberg to make a total of three saves.
The T-Birds' best chances came in the 78th minute when some fancy footwork by Frazao allowed her to cross the ball for Rachel Sawer and then
Taryn Lim but neither shot found the mark.
UBC keeper
Alyssa Williamson stopped both shots she faced to record her second clean sheet in as many matches.
Regina's best chance came in the 64th minute when a ball in over top found Tiffany Gyurek but the play was well challenged by Williamson who deflected the shot out of harms way.
"We have an accomplished young goalie in Alyssa, she is athletic and composed and we are confident in the ability of our defence to keep clean a sheet." said Rogers. "That said we need to take some presure off our back four have and we will have to be better in the final third tomorrow."
The win preserves UBC's perfect start to the season which they will look to extend when they host the winless Manitoba Bisons Saturday at Thunderbird Park. Regina, still in search of their first win, now travel to Langley to face No.9-ranked Trinity Western. Kickoff for both matches is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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