Connor Hood - Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics

EDMONTON - In what was built up as an early candidate for match of the season, the No. 1 Golden Bears and No. 2 UBC Thunderbirds didn't disappoint, with the top-ranked Bears coming away with an incredibly close 1-0 win, Sunday afternoon at Foote Field.

Both teams showed incredible poise, flashy scoring chances and superb defensive play, with Tolu Esan's strike in the 45th minute standing as the games lone tally. Fourth-year keeper Connor James made seven saves to earn his fifth win of the season, while Ajeej Sarkaria added to his team lead with his ninth point, assisting on Esan's goal.

Sunday's meeting was the first between the conference rivals since the Golden Bears defeated the Thunderbirds 2-1 in last year's Canada West final. It was also the third time the teams have met in the past year, with Alberta extending their unbeaten streak over the Thunderbirds to three games (two wins, one draw.)

Coming off their first loss in nearly a year, the Bears opened the match on Sunday with some pace, with Daniel Barker-Rothchild gaining an early look, but his strike flew over the bar. Conference-goal leader Victory Shumbusho also had a good look early, but like Barker-Rothschild, sent his shot over the bar.

Esan, who was on the receiving end of more passes later in the first half, had a glorious opportunity in the 43rd minute, but his shot from 15 yards out sailed wide of the UBC net. It wouldn't take long for the veteran striker to redeem himself, as he took a fantastic pass from Sarkaria inside, chipping his third of the season over Chad Bush.

Trying to avoid their first loss of the season, UBC came out rejuvenated in the second half, led by the play of substitute Kristian Yli-Hietanen. Yli-Hietanen showed off his speed and ball-skills early upon entering the match, but both of his shots from inside 20 yards missed their target. Jora Saron, who also entered the match as a substitute, had the T-Birds best chance to level the match in the 80th minute, but his bullet from distance was turned aside by James.

With the win, the Golden Bears remain atop the Prairie Division standings with a 6-1-1 record, and will almost certainly hang on to their No. 1 U SPORTS ranking. UBC, meanwhile, fall to 5-1-1, but also keep hold on their division lead. The Thunderbirds will remain on the road next weekend, with a pair of games scheduled against the UNBC Timberwolves. Alberta will also play the visitor next weekend, travelling to Lethbridge and Saskatchewan.