After four straight road games and the regular season already reaching its halfway point, the UBC Thunderbirds are finally set to play their home opener, and first home games under new head coach Geoff Matthews.

The T-Birds are 2-0-2, tied for first place in the three-team Canada West conference. On the docket this weekend is a pair of games against the Calgary Dinos, who are 0-4. The two teams face off on Saturday, September 28^th, and Sunday, September 29^th. UBC won both of their matchups earlier this season, to the tune of 5-0 and 4-0 scorelines.

While they've put up goals, the biggest highlight for the 'Birds this season has been their defensive play. Through four games, all of them away from home, they've conceded just a single goal.



Coach Matthews credits both the quality and experience of UBC's defensive core for how they've been able to adapt to his system so quickly. The Thunderbirds are anchored by two-time Canada West Goalkeeper of the Year Hannah Rumble, as well as veteran central defenders Birkley Anderson and Jenna Goodman.

"I believe that all successful teams are built on a solid defensive foundation, so this is always a fundamental for me as a coach," said Matthews. "What makes this team so successful has been having three key experienced players in our defensive unit…they are calm and composed both with and without the ball and give us not just a good defensive base, but are the foundation of our possession-based style of play."

Up front, the T-Birds' have gotten a shot in the arm in the form of 17-year-old forward Sydney Le. The rookie leads the team in goals, tallying three in four games, including UBC's sole marker in their 1-1 tie with UVic last time out.



It's been a strong start to the season overall for the Thunderbirds, who are undefeated in regulation through four games for the first time since 2019. There are just four more to play, as the 'Birds aim for their first Canada West championship in seven years.

While it certainly won't be easy, the T-Birds have set themselves up in a good position. Tied with reigning champs Victoria in the standings, and with only home games left on the schedule, the opportunity is there to make a strong push for a title.

"We are exactly where we wanted to be at this stage of the competition," added Matthews. "With the number of new recruits, we knew there would be some challenges in the first few weeks. To play as well as we have on the road is a credit to the team and their willingness to adapt to our new philosophy. We are excited to build on this platform and play our best games at home in front of the T-Birds crowd."

The all-important battles with Calgary are at 11:00 a.m. (PT) on both Saturday and Sunday, at Wright Field.