VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team will be looking to continue their impressive streak that has seen them collect four consecutive shutout victories as they get set to host the University of Victoria Vikes. It will be the lone game for each squad on Thanksgiving weekend but there will be plenty of feeling as the matchup reignites the Legends Cup rivalry series kicking off once again Friday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Thunderbird Stadium.
It will be the second meeting on the season between the rivals after the T-Birds (7-2-0) earned a 1-0 victory in Victoria to spoil the Vikes (4-4-1) home opener just over a month ago.
Last Action
The 'Birds (7-2-0) who enter play in a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with Trinity Western University earned back to back wins despite some tough travel last weekend. It started with a convincing 7-0 win against UNBC in Prince George followed by a 1-0 victory over MacEwan in Edmonton on Sunday afternoon.
The Vikes (4-4-1) who currently occupy fourth spot in the Pacific Division also endured tough travel last weekend with the exact opposite schedule to the T-Birds. UVic began their road trip with a 2-1 setback vs MacEwan last Friday before closing it out with a 1-1 draw against UNBC on Sunday in Prince George.
Players to watch
Amelia Crawford (#7, F) – The fourth-year forward was recognized as the Canada West statline of the week after tallying her first three goals of the season to power the T-Birds past the Timberwolves 7-0 on Friday night.
Alyssa Hunt (#4, F) – The third-year forward was also a big-time contributor in the 7-0 win over UNBC scoring two goals and adding an assist in the resounding result. Hunt increased her point total to six on the season and sits in third spot in overall team points.
Coach's Take
"We have pushed through the middle half of our season well and set ourselves up for the home stretch as we lead to playoffs," said UBC head coach
Jesse Symons regarding his squads current run of form. "We have to stay consistent in our approach in and out of possession and continue to put the high level of work in that the players have committed to. Full credit to them for the performance of late."
Symons then added what he was expecting from UVic in the team's second meeting of the season.
"Our games are always a battle for every inch," continued Symons. "They are athletic and have some dangerous attacking players that we will need to manage. We have put in a very high tempo level of work this week so we'll be ready and also expecting that type of match against them."
