In their second matchup against the University of Victoria Vikes in the last three days, the UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team were unable to recover from a 2-0 halftime deficit, falling 3-1 on a chilly Saturday evening at Thunderbird Stadium.
The Vikes came out the better team to start the game, creating a great chance 11 minutes in as a Trinity Kettyls cross found the head of Victoria striker Kiara Killbey, but her header was well saved by UBC keeper
Emily Moore.
13 minutes later, the Vikes would be rewarded, opening the scoring following some great combination play down the right wing. Kyra Teetzen played a teasing ball back post to a wide open Kettyls, and she converted to make it 1-0 for the visitors in the 24
th minute. Five minutes later, Killbey took advantage of a loose ball in behind the UBC backline, she also evaded Moore, to make it 2-0 on 29 minutes and took that into the break.
The T-Birds came out firing in the second half and had a good opportunity in the 59
th minute, as a well driven
Amelia Crawford shot from distance hit the post.
"I thought we responded well early in the second half," Said UBC head coach
Jesse Symons when asked about his team's response following a difficult first half. "The players that came in did a good job of responding and changing the game a little bit".
The hosts would get their goal though, beginning with an
Anisha Sangha shot from outside the 18-yard box that was saved by Vikes goalkeeper Puck Louwes, the ball however fell kindly to
Michelle Jang who deposited it home from close range to cut UVic's lead in half in the 74
th minute, making it 2-1. Despite the late pressing by the home side, the Vikes would get the dagger goal in the 84
th minute. As a 'Birds mistake at the back sent Killbey in alone and she deposited the ball into the net for her second of the game. The Thunderbirds would pile on the pressure late but were unable to grab a late goal, dropping the match 3-1.
Prior to kickoff long time legendary UBC women's and men's soccer head coach Dick Mosher was recognized with a ceremonial coin toss in front of many alumni and family honouring his recent induction to the Canada West Hall of Fame. Mosher led the T-Birds to an combined 12 CW Championships and nine National titles.
UBC next hosts the Calgary Dinos this Friday at Thunderbird Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Meanwhile the Vikes host UNBC at Centennial Stadium, with that one kicking off at 5 p.m.
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