UBC women’s soccer improved to 10–1 in conference play after a comfortable 3–1 win over the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack (4–4–2) at Thunderbird Stadium on Saturday.
UBC started fast and took the lead inside eight minutes. After Sophia Ferreira’s shot was partially saved, Danielle Steer reacted first to tap home for her Canada West leading tenth goal of the season. The Thunderbirds would double their advantage in the 17th minute, as midfielder Josie Claypool made a great late run into the box to get on the end of a Steer cross and slot one in the bottom corner for her first goal as a Thunderbird.
From then on, the T-Birds controlled possession and enjoyed the majority of chances. Despite star forward Katalin Tolnai getting a night off, the T-Birds still had 24 shots in the match. In the 84th minute, substitute Sophie Damian would add some gloss to the scoreline, settling a loose ball in the TRU box and firing a composed finish into the bottom corner.
UBC’s clean sheet would last all the way until the last minute of regulation time, when UBC’s foul on Kattia Bingham in the box awarded TRU a penalty kick. Ainsley Grether dispatched the penalty down the middle, giving the Wolfpack a late consolation goal.
“We got a lot of players in today, and overall getting that early goal was big time,” said head coach Jesse Symons, hailing his team’s attacking depth and overall quality performance in attack. “We have a lot of players that can score and it’s coming from everywhere, which is great. We’re hoping that continues into the next few games as we lead into the playoffs.”
The T-Birds top the Canada West table by seven points over closest rival Trinity Western. UBC’s next match is on October 7, on the road against the University of Victoria Vikes.