The Matchup
The T-Birds are back at Thunderbird Stadium this weekend for their 2017 home opener against the Winnipeg Wesmen on Friday at 5:30 pm PST. The 'Birds will then play Manitoba on Saturday night at 5:30 pm PST with the match to be held at Ken Woods Field.
After earning a pair of road victories in the Fraser Valley, UBC is looking to build momentum in front of their home fans and add to their winning record in home openers.
The last time Winnipeg took to the Point Grey pitch,
Jasmin Dhanda was in her rookie season with the 'Birds and scored one of eight goals in a shutout win over the Wesmen. In their most recent meeting, UBC capped off the 2016 regular season in Winnipeg with a 0-0 draw against the Prairie opponent - ending the Wesmen's playoff hopes.
Last Action
UBC rebounded after dropping their season opener in Victoria with a 3-0 clean sheet against Trinity Western, and a 3-1 victory over UFV. Dhanda picked up a goal in each game last weekend,
Aman Shergill netted two in Langley, and rookie
Danielle Steer potted a pair in Abbotsford.
Winnipeg has yet to record a home win to start the 2017 season - falling 3-2 to Saskatchewan and drawing even with Regina 1-1 last weekend. The Wesmen narrowly missed the postseason a year ago, finishing 7th in the Prairie Division and just a single point out of the playoff picture.
Manitoba enjoyed a 3-2 victory at home versus Saskatchewan in their last Canada West match.
By the Numbers
5 – the number of T-Bird home opening victories over the past six seasons. UBC is 5-0-1 in their first regular season home game since 2011-2012, scoring 18 goals and allowing just 1 over that span.
14 – the number of UBC shots on target the last time these two teams squared off. The 'Birds racked up 22 total shots and 9 corner kicks a year ago.
Players To Watch
Danielle Steer – (#21, F) – the rookie forward made an early impact - picking up her first two goals as a Thunderbird in the win over UFV. Steer is reunited with former Vancouver Whitecaps Prospects coach Symons, and will add another wave of offense for the T-Birds.
Jasmin Dhanda – (#9, F) – one of the top scorers in the Canada West, Dhanda's final season with the T-Birds is already off to a productive start. The veteran forward has two goals, an assist, and seven shots on goal in three conference games so far. In 2016, the Surrey native finished 3rd in the league in both goals (10) and assists (8) while leading with 81 shots.
Coach's Take
Head Coach
Jesse Symons says his team can build off their recent road wins. "We learned a lot last weekend with different ways to attack and focusing in on keeping possession for longer stretches to create more opportunities. There is lots of growth for the team still early in the season so we are looking forward to getting back at it on Friday night after a good week of prep."
