LANGLEY, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team handed the No. 2 Trinity Western Spartans their first home loss in nearly two years with a 2-0 shutout Friday at Rogers Field in Langley, B.C.
 
Playing in front of 635 boisterous fans, the Spartans owned much of the possession in their home-opening contest, but UBC's Amrit Berar (Richmond, B.C.) was the hero of the night, scoring twice to lead the T-Birds to their second win in as many games to start the season. Capitalizing on an early Spartans error, UBC opened the scoring in the sixth minute and then tallied again in the 59th minute to seal the win.  

The loss snaps the Spartans 15-match home winning streak, including regular season and playoffs, which went all the way back to a 2-1 setback against Victoria on Sept. 13, 2013.

"I am extremely proud of the way the girls played tonight," said UBC head coach Marisa Kovacs. "It was a 90-minute battle and the girls never let up. We executed the game plan and I couldn't have asked for more. It's a tough place to play in and we stepped up to the challenge. Now we look to our next opponent and focus for our UFV match tomorrow."

The Spartans had a 12-8 edge in shots and a 6-1 advantage in corners, but Berar's brace proved to be the difference.

UBC goalie Marlee Maracle (Oakville, Ont.) started the game and earned the win with two saves to her credit. However, an injury to Maracle forced Olivia de Goede (Victoria, B.C.) to enter the game in the 78th minute and she wrapped up the win without having to make a stop.

TWU goalie Ally Williamson was playing in her first game with the Spartans after transferring from UBC in 2014 and she made two saves in the loss.

In the sixth minute, Berar capitalized on a turnover deep in the Spartans end and, from the middle of the box, buried a clear-cut chance to the low left corner.

TWU's best opportunity of the first half came in stoppage time when a ball over the top nearly sprung Kovacs in alone. However, Maracle crashed in a step ahead and cleared the ball in front of a sprinting Kovacs.

The T-Birds doubled their lead in the 59th minute. Taylor Shannik (Delta, B.C.) floated a perfect cross to the far post and Berar, racing in from the back side, volleyed it home.

Second half Spartans substitute Leanne Verhoeff had a brilliant chance in the 87th minute, but her crack from 15 yards out was stymied by a diving de Goede.

UBC will play at Fraser Valley Saturday at 6:15 p.m.