VANCOUVER – Heading into their final weekend of regular season play in 2022, the UBC Thunderbirds are chasing history. This weekend at home, Jesse Symons' team can not only set a new single season record for most wins in a season by the UBC women's soccer program, but fifth-year forward Danielle Steer sits just one point shy of setting a new all-time Canada West points record.
 
The UBC Thunderbirds (11-1-0) are the top ranked team in all of U SPORTS, and can clinch first place in the Pacific Division by securing a victory against either Trinity Western (Friday, 6:30 p.m.) or Fraser Valley (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.).
 
"It's a big rivalry weekend for us to end the regular season," said head coach Jesse Symons. "We've put ourselves in a really good spot and now it's in our hands to try and seal the deal."


 
With UBC on the cusp of potentially reaching a new single-season victory record, the head coach is quick to credit his team's depth and preparation for their consistency this season. He shared, "Our depth is our strength. We've had 11 different goal scorers. We've been able to roll through a lot of players which has kept everybody healthy and fresh. This year has been a lot about consistency and so far we've done a really good of that."
 
Last weekend in Victoria, Danielle Steer secured a pair of second-half goals for the 'Birds in a spirited come-from-behind victory over Victoria. The win marked the third in a row for UBC and also moved Steer into a first-place tie with UBC alumna Jasmin Dhanda for the most points (65) in Canada West history. Steer, a Surrey product, needs just a single point in either game this weekend to take sole possession of the all-time scoring lead.
 
Steer's pursuit of Canada West history is certainly a hot topic in the 'Birds dressing room, and coach Symons is adamant that his star forward is deserving of the Canada West milestone. He explained, "She's been scoring goals regular throughout the years and she's put herself into a really good situation. It's a big motivation for her and for all of us. If we can find a way to get her around the goal we'll make sure that happens. Hopefully she gets the right bounce and we'll be able to celebrate a new record along with a team victory."


 
The Trinity Western Spartans (9-1-2) are still mathematically able to steal first place away from UBC, which makes Friday's clash at Thunderbirds Stadium a 'must win' for the visitors. On Saturday the blue and gold will then be tasked with facing the University of Fraser Valley Cascades who enter the weekend with a 0-7-5 record.
 
Both games this weekend will take place at Thunderbird Stadium, and can be seen live on Canada West TV.