The defending U SPORTS national champion UBC Thunderbirds open their 2021 postseason on home turf as they host the University of Regina Cougars in Canada West Quarterfinal action on Friday, October 29^th, at Thunderbird Stadium. UBC (9-1-2) finished the regular season second in the West division behind an undefeated Trinity Western University squad (11-0-1), while the Cougars (7-4-1) were second in the East – two points back of the Saskatchewan Huskies. The U SPORTS No. 4 ranked 'Birds won four of their six matches in front of their home fans so far this season while allowing just a single goal against at Thunderbird Stadium.


 
"We really enjoy playing at home and getting a crowd out," said UBC head coach Jesse Symons. "It's been fantastic this year with a lot of students coming out on the Friday nights so we're hoping that continues this Friday for our one and only home playoff game."
 

We have @CanadaWest quarter final action coming to Thunderbird Stadium 6:30pm Friday Oct 29th! #seeyouthere @ubctbirds ?? free! pic.twitter.com/fPfyQNhWwd

— UBC Women's Soccer (@ubcwsoc) October 26, 2021

T-Birds had an outstanding regular season defensively – allowing just four goals against over twelve matches, while also being among the top teams offensively. Fourth year forward Danielle Steer's team-high 15 goals were second most in the Canada West, as the Surrey product finished the regular season third in overall scoring.
 
"We have a lot of depth and experience," said Symons. "With nine returning starters from our national championship in 2019 we also have players who came into roles in 2019 and third-year players who really stepped up to influence our games. It's a good mix of young ones that have come in and played a lot through the season and experienced ones who have felt and tasted playoff success, so I'm really excited to see what they can bring on Friday night."


 
While the 'Birds last faced the Cougars on September 20^th, 2019, in a 3-0 victory and haven't lost to Regina in their previous 13 meetings, Symonds is expecting a tough test to start the postseason.
 
"Regina's had a really good season with new coaches," said Symons. "They move the ball well and have some good players that want to get on the ball and pass and move as a team. They have a couple players up top that are quite dynamic so we're expecting a well-played game on Friday night."
 
Kickoff for the Canada West Quarterfinal is slated for 6:30 p.m. (PST) at Thunderbird Stadium with live streaming available on Canada West TV.