Matchup

 
The scene is set for a rematch between the Canada West's top two teams at Thunderbird Stadium, as the UBC T-Birds (7-1-1) host the University of Victoria Vikes (7-1-1) on Friday at 5:00 PM PST. The provincial rivals are tied with 22 points apiece with just 5 games remaining in the regular season schedule.
 
"We're motivated to have a good team performance on Friday vs. UVic," says UBC Head Coach Jesse Symons. "We're getting down to the end and the conference is still really tight with teams around us getting good results. I have been really proud of the work the players are putting in each day."


 
The last time these two teams met was game one of the 2017 season on Vancouver Island a month ago - with the Vikes earning a 1-0 home victory over the defending Canada West champions, handing the 'Birds their only loss of the year.
 

Last Action

 
UBC pushed their winning streak to seven games with a 3-0 clean sheet victory over the MacEwan Griffins last Friday, but played to a 1-1 draw with the UNBC Timberwolves on Sunday.
 
Jasmin Dhanda had a goal and set up Amelia Crawford for two more tallies against the Griffins, but was held off the scoresheet against the Timberwolves - despite 8 shots in the tie. Aman Shergill potted the lone goal versus the T-Wolves, assisted by Margaret Hadley.
 
The Vikes are on a six-game winning streak of their own - including five straight shutouts - defeating UNBC 3-0 and MacEwan 1-0 at home last weekend.
 

By the Numbers

 
93 – the number of Thunderbird shots on goal - tops in the Canada West and 2nd in all of U Sports.  
 
77 – the Vikes have a formidable attack (second behind the 'Birds in shots, goals and assists), and have taken a league-leading 77 corner kicks this season.
 

Players to Watch

 
Ameila Crawford – (#19, F) – after an early season injury, the third year attacker came back with a bang - scoring two goals in her return to action.


 
Puck Louwes – (#1, GK) – UVic's 6'1 keeper leads the Canada West, and all of U Sports, with 6 shutouts on the season.
 

Coach's take

 
Coach Symons has a clear game plan heading into Friday's tilt.
 
"We are a team that wants to dictate the tempo and want to have the ball. We want to play a high tempo game that allows players to show their technical quality. Victoria is a hard working, motivated, well organized team and are finding ways to get results each match this year. We are excited to challenge them at this point of the season with both teams having lots of success to date."