The Matchup

The Thunderbirds are looking to gain ground leading up to the postseason when they host two division powerhouses in the undefeated Trinity Western Spartans (8-0-2) and UFV (6-2-2) at Thunderbird Stadium on Friday and Saturday evening. Only two points separate four teams in the Pacific division battling for home field advantage with two weeks left in the regular season.
 

Last Action

UBC earned a crucial victory over Victoria last weekend with a 2-0 shutout at home - putting them a point up on the Vikes and a point back of UFV for second in the division. Goals from Aman Shergill and Jasmin Dhanda led the charge for the T-Birds' offense, who outshot their island rivals 20-9. In their last head-to-head matchups earlier this season, the 'Birds tied UFV 2-2 and Trinity Western 1-1 on the road.


 
UFV is coming off just their second loss of the season dropping a 3-2 decision to Trinity Western on the road, while the Spartans are on a five game winning streak and have a six-point cushion atop the Canada West.
 

By the Numbers

0 – the number of UBC losses on home turf. The T-Birds are 5-0-1 at Thunderbird Stadium and will be looking to maintain their winning ways at home in two tough tests.
 
8 – the number of first half goals UBC scored since being held scoreless in the opening half against UFV and Trinity Western. The Thunderbirds came from behind to earn a draw in each game, and have recently improved their early offense.
 

Shoutout to @marleemaracle, our player of the game! Awesome work today!! #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/603vaXZlSM

— UBC Women's Soccer (@ubcwsoc) October 9, 2016

 

Players To Watch

Marlee Maracle – (#20, G) – The 4th year goalkeeper has yet to allow a goal down the stretch in October with six shutouts on the year.
 
Aman Shergill – (#7, D) – Shergill has scored four goals in her last three games and is scoring at a point per game pace this season.
 

Coach's Take

UBC Head Coach Jesse Symons is confident in the momentum his team can carry into the weekend.
 
"We have had a good couple weeks in October so far and are excited to measure ourselves up against two other ranked opponents."
 
Symons recognizes that there is little room for error.
 
"Both teams have good structure both in attack and defence and have had good seasons. I expect some tight games. We have had a good run over the past couple weeks. We are learning what we need to do to get results and look forward to the challenge UFV and TWU will bring."