Rich Abney, UNBC
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C, -
The UBC Thunderbirds wanted a six-point weekend from UNBC, but managed half of that, salvaging their weekend with a 4-1 victory over the Timberwolves on Saturday, September 30th.
Playing without starting defenders Josh McAvoy and Canada West All-Star Gordon Hall, the Timberwolves couldn't make it two victories in a row over the visiting T-Birds.
Less than 24 hours after the TWolves shut out the Nationally-ranked visitors, UBC asserted itself and used a pair of first-half markers to hold off a surging UNBC side.
"We had to change our formation with Gordon Hall out on three yellows, which threw us for a bit of a loop," said Aidan Way of the Timberwolves. "I think we played well. We didn't finish some chances, sometimes stuff doesn't go your way, and that was the case today."
In the 21st minute, Victory Shumbusho, who is the reigning Canada West Player of the Week, made the most of a broken play and outwaited Timberwolves keeper Tyrone Venhola to score his seventh of the season.
Just 13 minutes later, the referee awarded UBC a questionable free kick, and the Thunderbirds made good on the opportunity. Mackenzie Cole converted the header to give the visiting side a two-goal advantage.
In the second half, UNBC coach Steve Simonson used a front line of all Prince George products, using Cheona Edzerza, Liam Stewart, Matt Jubinville, and Brett Bobier. The result was a considerable surge in energy, and nearly resulted in a number of TWolves goals, but UBC keeper Chad Bush held the fort.
"They work hard. In the second half they came out flying," said UBC's Patrick Izett. "They are well coached and they did a good job shifting, and I was impressed by how well organized they were."
After Luke Griffin made it a three-goal contest in favour of the visitors, UNBC got on the board. Victoria native Cody Gysbers scored his third of the year when drilled a free kick from just outside the box, past a sprawling Bush, making it a 3-1 game.
But five minutes later, Patrick Izett sealed the match for UBC when he scored from 15 yards out, earning his second point of the game.
"They knew we are a good team and they came out to play today," said UNBC's Aidan Way postgame. "They're a fantastic team, and it was always going to be a tough game. They got the result, but I think we played well."
Chad Bush made four saves in the victory, while Venhola stopped seven T-Birds shots, giving him 17 over two games.
"Today we had a bit more fight. After being knocked down yesterday, the boys really picked it up," said Izett. "Our attitude and the way we approach the game today was better, and I think that translated to the score."
UBC improves to 6-2-1, and will next visit Victoria on October 5th, while UNBC falls to 4-5-3 and hit the road for UBCO next weekend.
"This was good for us," said Way. "I don't think anyone was expecting us to get points against UBC. Unfortunately we didn't win today, but a split is fantastic."