The Matchup
After spending six straight games at home and accumulating 12 points in the process, the UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer team (4-0-4) will embark on a two-game Alberta road trip this weekend.
The 'Birds will take on the Mount Royal Cougars (6-1-1) on Saturday, September 24 at 12:30pm (PT) in Calgary, followed by a matchup against the Lethbridge Horns (2-5-1) on Sunday, September 25 at 1:15pm (PT).
Both games are avaialble on
CanadaWest.TV
Last Action
Three consecutive scoreless draws for UBC have demonstrated both their defensive prowess and recent offensive woes. Managing to hold the division leading Alberta Golden Bears off the scoreboard last Friday was certainly an an accomplishment, given Alberta's perfect 6-0 start to the season. The Thunderbirds will need to reignite the scoring punch they possessed in their opening four games of the season, where they outscored their opponents 13-3.
The Cougars have not lost since August 25th, and are in a battle with Alberta for the No. 1 spot in the Prairie Division. UBC will need to take advantage of the fact that Mount Royal has only managed a single goal in three of their last five games.
Lethbridge has struggled as of late, logging only one win in their last six contests. The Horns will look to team leading scorer Stephen Primeau (3 goals) for some assistance when they face Victoria (2-4) and UBC this weekend.
By the Numbers
30 - Total shots taken by the 'Birds in their three recent nil-nil draws.
0.38 - UBC's impressive GAA so far this season.
Players to Watch
Jason Roberts (GK, #22) – Roberts has only allowed a single goal in his six starts this season, though he has only faced seven shots. Roberts will be put to the test this weekend, particularly against Mount Royal.
Kerman Pannu (M, #13) – His team leading 11 shots on goal make him a likely candidate to net UBC's elusive first goal in four games.
Coach's Take
UBC head coach
Mike Mosher is confident his team will soon find their scoring stride, and is pleased with his team's defensive efforts so far.
"I think despite not having scored in the last three games, we have created chances. The real focus is tidying up habits and getting players into scoring positions, " said Mosher. "We've given up only [seven shots] and that's a good thing. We just need to clean things up a little bit on the attacking end. If we keep doing what we're doing then good things will happen."
