VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer team concluded its non-conference slate with a 3-0 shutout of the Concordia Cavaliers (NAIA) in a neutral site game in Bellingham, Washington on Saturday afternoon.
The T-Birds led by a goal at halftime thanks to a
Milad Mehrabi (Coquitlam BC) marker in the 17th minute. He scored on a shot from 18 yards out after receiving the left side cross from
Tyler Mertens (Port Coquitlam, BC).
In the second half,
Kent O'Connor (Langley, BC) found the net twice.
Greg Smith (North Vancouver, BC) assisted on the goal in the 56th minute after delivering a nice cross from the right side and finding O'Connor, who shot from about 10 yards out.
O'Connor scored from in close again on the final UBC tally - this time placing a low left shot from penalty spot into the net.
Alex Orasa (Richmond, BC) got the helper after crossing the ball into the box from the right side.
“A good way to finish the pre-season, a win and another clean sheet,” said UBC head coach
Mike Mosher. “We feel we are well prepared for the start of the season and we've made progress on many fronts. We look forward now to next weekend and to start playing with points at stake."
UBC goalkeeper
Luke O'Shea (Richmond, BC) got credit for the shutout after making two saves. The T-Birds fired eight shots on the Cavaliers' net and also had the advantage in corner kicks 7-2.
The UBC men have won all five of their 2012 non-conference games and will open the Canada West regular season at home next weekend with games Friday against Calgary and Saturday versus Lethbridge.
Both matches will begin at 7 p.m. on David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium.
-30-
