VANCOUVER - A week after a road trip to Saskatchewan and Alberta, the No. 7 UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer are going east once more. This weekend, UBC will face the Manitoba Bisons and Regina Cougars.
No, 7 UBC Thunderbirds
2011 conference record: 3-1-1 (tie 3rd)
2011 CIS ranking: #7
Last week: tied Saskatchewan 0-0, lost to Alberta 2-0
Streak: 1 loss
The T-Birds have cooled off since starting the season with three straight shutout wins, drawing with Saskatchewan last weekend before suffering their first loss to Alberta.
Although the 'Birds failed to score in either of their road games last week, another two games in the prairies may be just what they need to get rolling again offensively, as they will be against two of the bottom three ranked defences in the conference in goals allowed. UBC outscored Manitoba and Regina a combined 5-0 at home two weeks ago.
Junior forwards
Janine Frazao and Rachel Sawer each have half of the team's six total goals this season, putting them among league leaders, but the 'Birds will need some alternative scoring options to emerge soon with just half the regular season sechedule remaining after this week.
Though the offence has yet to hit its stride, last year's dominant UBC defence hasn't missed a beat. Anchored by team captain
Kelly Cook and
Alisha Penev, the T-Birds didn't allow a single goal through the first four games, even though they have already played the conference's top three offensive squads.
Manitoba Bisons
2011 conference record: 2-4 (8th)
2011 CIS ranking: -
Last week: beat Regina 2-0 twice
Streak: 2 wins
After starting the year 0-4, the Bisons picked up their first two wins of the year with back to back 2-0 shutouts in Regina last week. However, the first of those wins came courtesy of two Regina own goals, so the Bisons still have a long way to go to turn their season around.
Third year forward Paula Fast leads the team with two goals, and Canada West All Star midfielder Carrie Nash has one tally. The Bisons will be facing two of the toughest defences in the conference this week so mistakes from their opponents are unlikely, and they need to find some offence to stay competitive.
Things weren't much better on the defensive end for the Bisons during their trip to the Lower Mainland. They gave up a combined eight goals to UBC and Trinity Western, so there's room for some much needed improvement at both ends of the park as they prepare for round two.
Regina Cougars
2011 conference record: 0-5-1 (tie 9th)
2011 CIS ranking: -
Last week: lost to Manitoba 2-0 twice
Streak: 5 losses
It's been a tough season so far for the Cougars, who remain winless after being swept at home by the Bisons last week. They have scored as many goals on their own net this season as they have on opponents, and have lost four straight to drop to the bottom of the Canada West standings.
They face another two tough matchups this weekend, but their chances to break into the win column won't be getting any better, as they have just two home games left on the schedule after this week. One bright spot for the Cougars has been the play of Canada West All Star goalkeeper Michelle Anderson, who is second in the conference with six saves per game.
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