VANCOUVER – In what is shaping up to be a historically successful season for the UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer program, fifth-year forward Danielle Steer now finds herself on the brink of Canada West immortality. A pair of second-half goals from the Surrey, B.C. product not only helped UBC (11-1-0) secure a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the University of Victoria, but those two goals moved her into a first-place tie with UBC alumna Jasmin Dhanda for the Canada West all-time points lead (65 points). Steer's next point will vault her into sole possession of first. She'll have two remaining regular season games to make it happen.
 
"It was a big win. I'm very proud of this group," said head coach Jesse Symons. "All season we've found ways to score goals and after Victoria scored to take the lead, I think it woke us up."


 
The first half ended with a 0-0 score. Both teams came out of the gates with a patient, careful approach. Late in the first half the 'Birds started to tilt momentum more in their favour and it nearly paid off during the extra minute of stoppage time. A late corner kick from Jacqueline Tyrer resulted in a point-blank chance for Danielle Steer from the left-wing outside the six-yard box. Unfortunately UBC's leading scorer deflected the centering pass with a header that rang flush off the crossbar. Victoria cleared the rebound, and the first half whistle sounded seconds later.
 
The home side got on the board first in the 51^st minute. Some defensive miscommunication and confusion from UBC inside their own 18-yard box resulted in a turnover. Victoria's Sophie Murphy pounced onto the ball and with her left foot drilled her second goal of the Canada West season past Sarah Johns. Emma Skalik had the assist.
 
Not long thereafter in the 56^th minute, Sophie Murphy nearly struck for a second time, but her shot from the left-wing sailed "just" over the crossbar and high of the UBC goal.
 
When you're the top team in Canada, sometimes you need luck on your side and when the door is left open for you, the best teams take full advantage.
 
Less than two minutes later Danielle Steer moved UBC back to even terms with Victoria when she got the last leg on the ball off a scramble in close that came as a result of a corner kick from Jaqueline Tyrer. Katalin Tolnai drew the assist on Steer's 11^th goal of the season. The goal for Steer also moved her within one point of a first-place tie with Jasmin Dhanda.
 
Then in the 69^th minute, Steer notched a share of history with her second goal of the match which came as a result of another corner kick from Jaqueline Tyrer. This time Tyrer's kick found its way to Steer at the net-front, and Steer made no mistake with a header for her league-leading 12^th goal.

??WSOC | GOAL!!!

With her second goal of the match, Danielle Steer is now tied with @ubcwsoc alumna Jasmin Dhanda for the all-time @CanadaWest points lead! Steer now sits at 65 (and counting) career points!#GoBirdsGo

Congrats Danielle! pic.twitter.com/O5Gt8aaqQV

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 8, 2022

 
Jesse Symons stated, "She's a big-time player and when we've needed her to come up big, she's delivered time after time. Her record-tying goal was a vintage Danielle Steer goal and it was great for her to do it in Victoria in a place where she's scored so many big goals over the course of her career. All of her teammates respect her so much, and she gives it right back."
 
Aside from a Victoria corner kick in the 89^th minute, the UBC Thunderbirds locked it down defensively in the final 20-plus minutes of the match. The 'Birds have demonstrated a remarkable ability to close out games, and Friday was no exception. After three minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle sounded, and UBC had their 11^th win in 12 appearances so far this season.


 
The UBC head coach though was quick to commend the opposition afterwards. He remarked, "We've been playing teams a lot of teams lately that have been fighting for playoff spots. Every game has been a battle. Everyone is going hard and showing the passion and determination that makes our league so special. We are excited to return home now, and hopefully have some good performances before the playoffs begin."
 
Danielle Steer's first crack at first place on the all-time Canada West points list takes place on Friday, October 14^th against Trinity Western University at home. The 'Birds will then wrap up their regular season schedule on Saturday, October 15^th against the University of Fraser Valley.