ABBOTSFORD – The preseason favourite UBC Thunderbirds lived up to their billing – and then some – as they scored four times in each half to overwhelm the host Fraser Valley Cascades in the Canada West women's soccer season opener Friday night in Abbotsford.
"What energy we possessed to start the game and continued through the full 90 minutes," said a pleased UBC Head Coach,
Jesse Symons. "Our attacking players showed their personality and quality."
Fifth year striker
Danielle Steer continued her hunt to become the conference's all-time points leader with a season opening hat trick and a pair of assists. Third-year midfielder
Nisa Reehal finished with a brace and an assist, her first multi-goal game as a Thunderbird, while
Ava Alexander scored and added a pair of assists for a career best night.
Sophia Ferreira and
Jade Taylor-Ryan also found the back of the net as UBC scored eight goals for the first time since October of 2016 against the TRU WolfPack.
"I'm extremely happy for Nisa and Dani to create and score tonight," added Symons. "Having our young ones go in and influence with Ava and Jade was great to see as we showcased our depth and mindset."
It took all of 6:25 for Steer to break the ice with her first of the campaign. Reehal's first of the game came in the 17
th minute while Ferreira scored in the 34
th to put the T-Birds out to a commanding early lead.
Steer's second of the game came just before the half as UBC put a whopping 16 shots towards Fraser Valley's net through the opening 45.
The second half didn't see the 'Birds let up one bit as Reehal scored again in the 48
th minute followed by Steer's hat trick goal two minutes later.
Alexander's first goal as a Thunderbird came in the 60
th minute while Taylor-Ryan closed out the onslaught of goals in the 73
rd minute.
The dominant performance Friday night certainly set the new season off on the right foot for UBC as they'll face a strong test Saturday when they visit the defending Canada West champion Trinity Western Spartans. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. PT at Chase Office Field in Langley.