The Matchup

UBC is off to Alberta for a date with the Pandas in the winner-take-all Canada West quarter-final. The two teams last squared off in September when the 'Birds were handed their first loss of the season despite a two-goal, come from behind performance from Jasmin Dhanda.


 
The Pandas (8-4-2) finished the regular season three points up on the defending National Champion UBC squad (6-3-5) for third in the Pacific Division. UBC has struggled to find the back of the net at times in their 2016 campaign, but a stingy defense and solid goaltending allowed the third fewest goals (11) in the Canada West.
 

Last Action

After losing two tough division matchups at home, the Thunderbirds went on the road last weekend to pick up a 2-1 win in Manitoba and fought to a 0-0 draw in Winnipeg. UBC had a whopping 39 shots in the two game set - despite just a pair of goals in as many games. As per usual, Jasmin Dhanda led the way offensively for the 'Birds earning a goal and an assist against the Bisons and firing 6 shots (with 4 on target) versus the Wesman.
 
The Pandas are entering the postseason on a rare two game losing streak and were shut out in their regular season finale by MacEwan - a team that UBC drew 0-0 early in their third game of the CIS season.
 

Winnipeg bound ???? - last @usportsCA league road trip #gobirdsgo pic.twitter.com/akx5lCrfFb

— UBC Women's Soccer (@ubcwsoc) October 21, 2016

 

By the Numbers

18.8 – the number of UBC shots per game - good for the fourth best attempts in the CIS and leading to a total of 263 shots on the season (3rd overall).
 
4 – the impressively low number of goals the Thunderbirds have allowed in the month of October - spanning over a total of six games.

Players To Watch

Meagan Pasternak – (#15, D) – A graduating senior this year, Pasternak has been a staple on the steadfast defensive core that has been stable all year long. That dependability will be called upon to shut down the Pandas and advance to the semis.


 
Jasmin Dhanda – (#9, F) – The fourth year forward has consistently been a threat to score game in and game out - her assists and points are third best in the CIS. Dhanda has proven to be a threat to attack whether the 'Birds are playing with the lead or fighting from behind - a crucial aspect to moving forward in the Canada West playoffs and defending last year's title.

Coach's Take

"We are a confident team that likes to control games in possession. We will be looking to continue this in our play-off match versus Alberta," says UBC Head Coach Jesse Symons. "They're a good team, well coached with some dynamic players that can go forward. We're in a very exciting headspace going into the game with play-offs now here. We've used 26 players and 4 different shapes in our 14 league matches to be as prepared as possible for this upcoming match. I am confident we will be putting together a great game plan to set up well both in possession and out of possession against U of A."

Symons is pleased to have a full and healthy roster heading into the postseason.