VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team completed its non-conference schedule with a 4-0 triumph over the Douglas College Royals in front of 1,328 fans at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver.
 
Most of those in attendance were part of Jump Start, UBC's multi-day orientation designed to introduce first-year students to the university.
 
"Creating a culture at UBC for the sporting events creates such an uplifting school atmosphere and community," said UBC head coach Jesse Symons. "This was on display tonight with the Jump Start game. What a great time everyone had and we were able to feed off the energy scoring a few goals."
 

Thanks to @RoyalsAthletics for playing tonight. Exciting crowd with 1300+ in attendance for our last preseason match leading to @CanadaWest play this weekend!! #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/qPlEzjNRpt

— UBC Women's Soccer (@ubcwsoc) August 28, 2018

Liesanne Musico knocked in a Margaret Hadley cross in the 31st-minute to open the scoring for the Thunderbirds, allowing the home side to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
 
UBC dominated the second half – adding three more goals – to complete the 4-0 shutout.
 
"The team has really worked hard for each other through pre-season," remarked Symons. "We have been able to score in all six matches we played against top opposition. We have had seven different goal scorers and three with multiple goals. Everyone is looking to push the team to a higher level when they are playing and I am really excited to see us continue to grow through the season."
 
Newcomer Michelle Jang scored in the 55th minute as she tapped in a corner kick from Sophie Damian.
 
Just seven minutes later, Jang sent the ball across the penalty area to Rachel Jones, who shot it low on the left side of the net to put UBC up by three.
 
Musico rounded out the scoring with her second tally of the match. She stole the ball inside the Douglas penalty area, dribbled along the along the goal line and slotted her shot inside the left post in time added. It was her fourth and final shot on goal on Monday night.
 
Sarah Johns started the match in net for the blue and gold before giving way to Bayley Wachsmuth after halftime. Both goalkeepers recorded a save to share the clean sheet.
 
The T-Birds outshot the Royals 25-4, including 16-1 in the second half. UBC also had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 

The team will now turn its focus to the opening of Canada West conference play. The Thunderbirds will travel to the provincial capital for a Sept. 1 clash against the Victoria Vikes. Kickoff at Centennial Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
"Defensively the team is really coming together well," said Symons. "Having four shutouts through the six matches and not allowing too many chances against will be important to continue. It is a full team mindset and we plan to be a difficult team to be played through. The team is ready for the start of season and we will go game by game as we head through it."
 
UBC completed its non-conference slate with a record of 4-2, a run that included shutout victories at NCAA Division I schools Oregon State and Portland State, as well as home blanking of local Division II rivals Simon Fraser.