Stu Walters/UBC Thunderbirds
VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer team extended their winning streak to six straight games thanks to a hard fought 1-0 shutout victory against the MT. Royal Cougars at Thunderbird Stadium Friday night.
It was the third ranked T-Birds who faced the toughest early test in the 16th minute but fourth-year goalkeeper Jason Roberts was equal to the task for a tone setting save. The Cougars had penetrated UBC's penalty area and forward Orest Ndabaneze's thru ball found fellow forward Jake Vickers who volleyed it from seven yards out but Roberts made a reaction kick save that deflected just over the crossbar and out of play denying MT. Royal the opening goal.
The early denial seemed to spark the hosts who would soon enjoy a string of chances beginning with midfielder Ryan Sangha's dangerous strike from 33 yards out that was just pushed over the bar by Cougars goalkeeper Sterling Kerr's athletic save. On the ensuing corner kick, it was Kerr stepping up again to stop a well struck header from T-Birds forward Riley Pang who made contact from the eight yard box.
In the 26th minute UBC would open the scoring courtesy of midfielder Thomas Gardner executing on yet another free kick opportunity. Gardner booted a line drive just over the Cougars wall and into the left side of the net before Kerr could even react guarding the goal. UBC had the 1-0 lead they wouldn't relinquish thanks to Gardner's third marker of the season, all three of which have come off free kick opportunities.
In minute 38 UBC just missed extending their lead as midfielder Jora Soran's screaming shot from 30 yards out went just over the crossbar landing in the top netting.
After the break, the 'Birds would narrowly miss another chance as defender Daniel Kaiser's left footed curling strike from 18 yards out went just missed the top left corner of the Cougars goal. The Visitors would then enjoy some possession and build up leading to some chances, the most dangerous of which came off the boot of forward Kylan Johnson from six yards out however it was blocked by a sliding UBC midfielder in Kerman Pannu.
T-Birds head coach Mike Mosher was pleased with the result but thought it was a tale of two half's.
"We were very good in the first half and maybe a little unfortunate not to get two goals," said Mosher. "Based upon the play and the chances I would have loved to see us get two because I think that puts the game to bed at that point but then in the second half we got a little sloppy and careless and because it's only a goal they're in the fight. So, a little disappointed with the second half performance but at the end of the day it's another win it's another clean sheet and on we go to tomorrow."
Mosher was left almost speechless when asked to describe Thomas Gardner's deadly execution on free kicks.
"You can't teach that stuff, I can't believe it," added Mosher. "That ball goes over the wall and in and how does it get up and down so quickly, it's beyond me but he's been clutch for us so far that's for sure."
Through seven games the T-Birds have scored 17 goals while only giving up three goals against in compiling a Pacific division leading 6-0-1 record. The 'Birds get right back at it tomorrow night hosting the MacEwan Griffins Saturday at Ken Woods Field with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
With the setback, the MT. Royal Cougars record falls to 3-4-0 on the season and they'll have to deal with tough travel combined with a quick turnaround as they get set to face the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack Saturday at 2 p.m.
PHOTO: Rich Lam/UBC Thunderbirds