The Matchup
After clinching the number one spot in the Canada West Pacific Division last weekend, the UBC Thunderbird's men's soccer team (9-1-6) are off to the Canada West Quarter-Finals. With only a single loss on the season, the 'Birds appear capable of another dominant post-season run.
The Thunderbirds' opponent will be the one team that managed to beat them this year, the Lethbridge Pronghorns (8-6-2). The 'Horns defeated UBC 3-2 back on September 25th. That game propelled Lethbridge on a seven game unbeaten streak.
Last Action
A pair of wins last weekend over UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers helped the 'Birds leapfrog Trinity Western into first place. Both games were won by narrow, one-goal victories.
Lethbridge capped off their season with a nil-nil draw versus Mount Royal last Sunday, giving Mount Royal a two-point lead and a higher seeding in the Prairie Division standings, setting up the UBC match-up. The draw also ended Lethbridge's six-game win streak.
Kickoff will be Friday, October 28th at Thunderbird Stadium at 7 PM.
You can watch the game live on CanadaWest.TV
By the Numbers
237 - Number of shots fired by the Thunderbirds this season. While goals have proved hard to come by all season long, there has certainly been no shortage of attempts.
8 - Shutouts for UBC this season. The 'Birds had no trouble shutting the door on their opponents throughout the regular season, though they were held scoreless themselves four times.
Players to Watch
Bryan Fong (D, #19) and Tyler Mertens (D, #2) – the senior defensive combination for the T-Birds will be getting their last kick at adding to the two national championships both have on their resumes. In the duo's five years on the T-Birds, the 'Blue and Gold' have a combined record of 51-4-12 in the regular season.
Titouan Chopin (M, #7) – the 'Birds leading scorer (6 goals, 2 assists) and most consistent offensive performer in a season lacking offensive consistency. Now would be a perfect time for the Chopin to go on a hot streak.
Coach's Take
"This is the fun time of year. We prepare from January until now to play in these types of games, win or done. There are no easy games in Canada West and especially in playoffs," says UBC Head Coach
Mike Mosher.
"Lethbridge has been the hottest team in the conference since the midway point and we are well aware of that. They also beat both us and Alberta, handing each division winner their only losses of the year in that run so again, notice served."
