Two players kick their legs out at the ball hanging in the air between them
Adrian Shellard/MRU Athletics
2
Winner UBC UBC (6-0-0, 6-0-0)
0
Mount Royal MOUNT RO (4-0-3, 4-0-3)
Winner
UBC UBC
(6-0-0, 6-0-0)
2
Final
0
Mount Royal MOUNT RO
(4-0-3, 4-0-3)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
UBC UBC 1 1 2
Mount Royal MOUNT RO 0 0 0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Jake McGrail (UBC Communications)

Opportunistic T-Birds take down previously unbeaten Cougars on the road

CALGARY – In a high-profile regular season clash that pitted two undefeated teams against one another, it was the UBC Thunderbirds who emerged with the win to keep their streak going.

Now 7-0 on the season, the 'Birds drop the Cougars' record to 4-1-3. The only other team that is still yet to take a loss so far this campaign is – perhaps fittingly – the Victoria Vikes (pending the result of their game today against Lethbridge).

In a rematch of both of the last two Canada West Finals, the T-Birds jumped out in front early by catching the entire MRU team sleeping on a somewhat bizarre play.

Just five minutes in, a scramble following a corner kick led to the linesman on the far side of the field raising his flag to recommend an offside call. But the head official waved it off as UBC lofted a cross into the box, declaring that the play should continue.

A group of T-Birds celebrate happily together after a goal

The Cougars, however, all assumed an offside had been called despite no whistle being blown, and the MRU keeper (after having easily caught the attempted cross) dropped the ball onto the pitch for what he thought was a free kick. That opened the door for Luke Norman, acutely aware of the true situation, to steal in and walk the ball into the goal in front of the confused Cougars defence.

A deflating moment for sure for the home team, and a massive boost for the visitors who were able to play from the front and made sure to shut the door defensively.

Jack Garner earned his third shutout of the season, making three saves on the day, as the Thunderbirds extended their impressive streak of not trailing in a game to now over 510 consecutive minutes of game-time.

Jack Garner dives to catch the ball following an MRU shot attempt

Of course, a one-goal lead can never feel too secure, and it was Henri Godbout who added some insurance in the 53rd minute. The star forward made a great run in the box and was picked out by a pinpoint Nicolas Nadeau cross, making it 2-0 for the blue and gold which turned out to be the final score of the match.

UBC's Alberta trip continues tomorrow afternoon, as they take on the Lethbridge Pronghorns at 1:15 p.m. (PT) inside the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium.
 
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