Vancouver, BC – After opening the season with a 0-0 draw against the defending national champion Trinity Western Spartans last week, UBC women's soccer will return to David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium for Homecoming Weekend where they will face the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades Friday at 5pm (PST), and the University of Victoria Vikes on Saturday at 7:30pm (PST).
In the Canada West Preseason Coaches' Poll, the UFV Cascades were ranked seventh, and last Friday kicked off their season with a 2-0 victory over UNBC. In the same poll, the Thunderbirds were ranked third and currently sit at No. 7 this week nationally. But despite this difference in rank, it should be noted that the Cascades again will be armed for the second year with goaltender Kayla Klim, who in the varsity offseason plays in the USL Women's League for the Dayton Dutch Lions.
UVic, currently ranked fourth nationally, will be fierce competition for UBC on Saturday. In a 4-1 win over UNBC last weekend, the Vikes controlled possession for much of the game and outshot their opponent 30-1. For her standout two-goal performance against UNBC, midfielder and Vikes' captain Jacqueline Harrison was awarded Canada West second-star player of the week honours and will be one to watch against the Thunderbirds this weekend.
The two games against Fraser Valley and Victoria will undoubtedly be invigorating ones to watch and, as part of Homecoming Weekend at UBC, will likely draw quite the crowd.
These games will also mark UBC's second weekend of regular season play under head coach
Andrea Neil as she settles into her new position. Following her team's draw with the defending national champions last Saturday, Neil praised the collective effort of the Thunderbird squad and had optimism about the team's development together. Now as they prepare to face two big Canada West rivals, the team's unity will be as important as ever.
You can follow all the live stats at
canadawest.tv
Game info:
vs. UFV Cascades – 5pm (PST)
vs. UVic Vikes – 7:30pm (PST)
Both games at David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium
