Women’s Soccer
WSOC– CONSOLATION #2: Western advances to Consolation Final with win over host Queen’s
In a close 1-0 win over Montreal, the Thunderbirds earned their golden ticket. UBC will play for the 2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship on Sunday in Kingston.
At the start of the match, UBC and Montreal traded opportunities on net, but both keepers responded well. Thunderbird Jayda Thompson developed some good chances with her speed, but none dropped in the first half. Justine Lalande also put up some good efforts for Montreal, but she got shut down in both shots on goal.
Then, in the 32nd minute, UBC sent a corner kick sailing to Montreal keeper Kelly Cantin who deflected it for an own goal. With the goal UBC took the lead 1-0.
Late in the first half, Montreal tried to respond with increased pressure in the box, but Dakota Beckett showed some aggressive tending to help the Thunderbirds keep their lead. Her precision in net earned her a shutout match.
In the second half the Carabins laid on the pressure with two solid shots that Dakota Beckett went diving to save. The Thunderbirds reacted with aggression and tallied five foul calls in just over ten minutes. The Carabins, with these free kicks to their advantage, did a good job of keeping the ball in UBC’s end.
Although Montreal kept up their pressure till the last whistle, the Thunderbirds held onto their lead to secure the close 1-0 victory.
With this win, UBC will advance to the gold medal game on Sunday at 3p.m. Eastern. Montreal will play next on Sunday as well in the bronze medal match at 12:30 p.m.
[Story written by Sarah Maat]
Nike Team players of the game:
- Montreal: Lorie Thibault
- UBC: Taiya Dennehy