VANCOUVER - The U SPORTS No.1-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (11-1-0) are closing out their regular season by hosting the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack (4-6-2) and UBCO Heat (7-3-2) at Thunderbird Stadium this weekend ahead of making a run at winning a second consecutive Canada West Championship. The match against TRU is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (PT) Friday at Thunderbird Stadium, with the team's nine departing seniors being honoured beforehand, while kickoff against UBCO is set for 1:00 p.m. (PT) on Sunday, October 15th at Ken Woods Field.
Friday's match is the opener of a doubleheader ahead of the men's team also taking on TRU in this year's Thunderstuck Festival. Those on hand will see special half-time entertainment, have access to hot drinks, unique giveaways, and more.
The 'Birds bounced back from their only loss of the season in Victoria by earning a pair of decisive 6-0 home victories against the UNBC Timberwolves last weekend, with Canada West leading goal scorer
Katalin Tolnai tallying a hat trick in each match.
"We really focused on our attacking mindset after missing a few chances versus UVIC," reflected head coach
Jesse Symons. "It was great to see the team come out strong and prepared to play at a very high tempo to go create early. I was really happy to see the team score a couple goals early, on our first few chances to really get a hold of the match. We were getting lots of service from players both wide and central, which poses well as we lead towards the playoffs."
The T-Birds now have a tougher post-season tuneup against a pair of sides closer to the middle of the table, starting with a Wolfpack team that ended September on a four game unbeaten streak. UBC defeated Thompson Rivers in Kamloops earlier this year by a score of 3-0.
"TRU has had a good season and kept many games really tight this year," said Symons. "They have some players that can attack well and they have some very strong defensive players. It will definitely be a game where we will need to stay on the front foot and keep control."
UBCO has enjoyed as much offensive success against the 'Birds as any team this year, pushing UBC to the limit in a tight 3-2 T-Birds win at Kelowna in early September. The pair of goals allowed by UBC in the match account for half of the scoring against the blue and gold across the entire 12-game regular season so far. The Heat are also living up to their name of late, winning three of their last four matches going into the weekend.
"UBCO has found ways to get results this year and have some strong attacking players that can find the back of the net when given space," noted Symons. "If we can manage those players and look to attack forward with numbers we can hopefully create some chances."
With the 'Birds having already clinched the Pacific Division, much of this weekend's focus will be on honouring the UBC seniors who are set to leave the team at the end of the year. Due in part to the COVID-cancelled season affecting graduation timelines, this year's class of seniors is especially large and represents a group of key contributors to a program that has been overwhelmingly successful during their tenure. They are set to be formally recognized ahead of kickoff at Friday's match.
Coach Symons shared what each of the nine departing T-Birds has meant to his team.
"We have a very special seniors class that has won both a national championship and Canada West championship for UBC," said Symons. "They have been big time players on the field and have really been huge parts of the program in the community as well. They are truly players who have embodied the meaning of being a Thunderbird and have left such a legacy for future T-Birds to look up to and emulate.
Janika Sangha – A Nationals All-Star, Janika has been a rock in midfield for the program with her ability to move the ball and play with tempo. She has a tremendous way with her teammates and has been someone who has really given back to the program on and off the field.
Sophie Damian – A Canada West community service award winner, and a dynamic play making midfielder. She has been such a spark since she came on the team and has progressed to another level with her ability in an attacking mid role. She has been a bright light on and off the field with the program and has the quality to make any environment she is in positive.
Katalin Tolnai – A Canada West and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Katalin has consistently been an attacking threat with the team since she began in 2019. She has been able to learn how to play both as a midfielder and forward and really found ways to interact with the team from both a goal scoring and play making perspective. She has scored huge game winning goals for the program and has really created a standard for everyone to respect and admire.
Dani Mosher – A transfer from New Mexico, Dani jumped right into the program and has been someone who can really be counted on when on the field. With her ability to make pinpoint crosses, Dani has been a huge part of the program on and off the field.
Jacqueline Tyrer - A Canada West All-Star and two-time Nationals All-Star. The captain of the team, Jacqueline has been a key player on the field from her first year, helping us to a national championship. She has the ability to contribute at both ends of the field with her set piece delivery and defensive quality.
Nisa Reehal – A Canada West All-Star, Nisa has been a key attacking player in the program on the wing, with the ability to create, run past players and score goals! A big part of the team in the locker room, Nisa has been a tremendous player in the program.
Vanessa Tome – A consistent player through her years at UBC, Vanessa has been able to score in every season she has played at UBC. She is a player that has consistently improved each year and played in many big games for the team!
Emma Hooton – A transfer from Memphis, Emma has been a stalwart on the defensive line at fullback and centre back. A player with tremendous left footed service, Emma has been a great addition to the team and continues to push the limits with her competitive spirit.
Rebecca Morgan – An attacking player who has become a top fullback in the league and for UBC. Rebecca has showcased her skill each year and has become a key addition to the team at the back. She is a player who will be missed, with her ability on the ball to possess and keep such a positive tempo to the team."
UBC will get next weekend off before they host a to be determined opponent for their Canada West quarter-final matchup on Saturday, October 28th, likely in the late afternoon at Thunderbird Stadium. Details are set to be finalized after the play-in games are concluded on Saturday, October 21st. You can catch all of the action live or on demand on Canada West TV.
