The Matchup
The UBC Thunderbirds (2-0-0) hit the road for the first time with another pair of key early season division matchups.
The fifth-ranked 'Birds travel to Kelowna Saturday, September 2nd to face UBC Okanagan in the Heat's season opener at 3:00 p.m. PT at Nonis Sports Field.
The game can be watched live on CanadaWest.TV.
The 'Birds then heads to Kamloops on Sunday, September 3rd for their first meeting of the year with the national champion host Thompson Rivers Wolfpack at 2:00 p.m. PT at Hillside Stadium.
The T-Birds have never lost while visiting either squad boasting a 2-0-1 record in Kelowna and a 3-0-0 record in Kamloops since 2014.
Last Action
It was a successful opening weekend for the 'Birds with a pair of 1-0 victories over Fraser Valley last Friday and Trinity Western on Saturday. Goalkeeper
Chad Bush was perfect in both contests while
Victory Shumbusho and
Kyle Sohi provided the only goals UBC needed.
The Heat won their final two pre-season matches last weekend, 1-0 over Langara College and 2-0 over Douglas College. Thompson Rivers began their Canada West season in Prince George with a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 loss against the UNBC Timberwolves.
By the Numbers
0 – UBC has yet to allow a single goal against, the only team in the Pacific division yet to concede a goal other than the Heat who open their season against the 'Birds Saturday.
4 – The number of rookies to make their Canada West debut as part of the starting 11 last weekend. Defender
Jora Saran, midfielders
Mihai Hodut and
Patrick Izett, and forward
Victory Shumbusho all started their first U SPORTS game against the Cascades.
Players to Watch
Chad Bush (#1, GK) – The former U SPORTS All Canadian keeper was in midseason form last weekend putting up a pair of clean sheets stopping every shot he faced including a Fraser Valley penalty kick.
Patrick Izett (#7, M) – The career attacking midfielder had a big impact in his first weekend of Canada West play, starting both games at outside fullback last weekend and finishing with two shot attempts and an assist. The Delta native set-up fellow rookie
Victory Shumbusho for the 'Birds' first goal of the season against the Cascades on Friday.
Coach's Take
Another pair of division matchups this weekend means another chance for UBC to stake themselves out to an early season lead atop the Pacific division, something head coach
Mike Mosher says is a big goal looking down the road to the post-season.
"We've got an opportunity to give ourselves a little breathing room," said Mosher who also cautions that this weekend's matchups will be a tough test.
"We had success in week one but we're certainly not going to take anything for granted or rest on or laurels, we're going to go and try to get ourselves two more wins and try to put ourselves in that spot where we're in first and have teams try and come catch us. Both those teams have improved themselves year upon year and have proven to be difficult opponents."
Mosher was happy with his team's defensive play in week one and also feels the T-Birds' attack will continue to improve.
"I'm confident that we've got the pieces on attack. That's been a focus throughout the week in training and it probably will continue to be to just keep forming those relationships and getting everyone on the same page."
