QUEBEC CITY – The UBC Thunderbirds completed their 2022 U SPORTS National Championship tournament with a 2-1 record after a 1-0 victory over their arch-nemeses, the Trinity Western Spartans, in the consolation final Sunday morning at Stade Telus.
Danielle Steer scored the game's only goal in the 70th minute in her final game as a Thunderbird while UBC celebrated their fourth victory over the Spartans this season.
"I thought the personality in the first half to keep the ball and attack was excellent," said UBC Head Coach Jesse Symons following his team's final game of the season. "We just missed that killer instinct a bit with that final touch. I thought if we kept pushing we'd find a goal for sure and what a fitting end to have Dani score the winning goal today. A good result overall and now we look to next year."
For a game that had no medal on the line, both teams came ready to play with determination, perhaps to no one's surprise given the history between the two.
The opening half didn't feature a goal but the field was tilted heavily in UBC's favour with the 'Birds generating plenty of chances off set pieces in particular.
Steer was finally able to break through in the 70th, controlling the ball well with a pair of Spartans marking her off a UBC free kick. From 13 yards out, Steer put a tremendous force on the ball with her right leg and blasted it past Hannah Miller.
It was the only goal UBC would need on the day. Both keepers finished the game with eight saves while Dakota Beckett picked up the clean sheet for the 'Birds.
"We're two top programs in the country and we love playing each other," added Symons. "Each team makes each other better. We had some good, hard battles this year, fortunately we were on top in all four games this season, that goes back and forth. Hopefully we have the same mindset going into next season."
The game was an emotional one to be sure, especially for those graduating seniors who will not be back on the pitch with the blue and gold. Dakota Chan – who was named Player of the Match – along with Steer, Sarah Johns, Jessica Williams, and Taylor Reynolds are all moving on.
"It's always hard, the team gets so tight and so connected and now that we have to say goodbye to some on the field is tough for sure."
