UBC Athletics
VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds welcomed fans to their 2017 home opener by continuing their fine form with a solid outing and a 5-0 win over the Winnipeg Wesmen at Thunderbird Stadium on Saturday evening.
Within five minutes UBC (4-1-0) was on the board as striker Jasmin Dhanda danced into the six-yard box, easily slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. The Thunderbirds never let their foot off the gas as they continued to push forward, controlling the pace and flow of the game.
The Wesmen (0-3-1) had no answer for Dhanda early on. Ten minutes in she once again found an opening in the defence to perfectly place the ball for her second goal of the night.
"Jasmin Dhanda was everywhere she's just a handful up front to deal with, scoring two goals to start the game and then she tried to become a playmaker and tried to set people up," said UBC head coach Jesse Symons. "I think that shows a little about her quality and her character."
Dhanda recorded her 50th career point in Canada West play, and moved into sole possession of fifth place in all-time conference scoring.
The Wesmen defence had their hands full with the Thunderbirds high-flying offence, as the 'Birds continued to challenge keeper Madison Fordyce. Fordyce made her presence known in net, helping to keep the Wesmen in the game as she made three saves before being replaced by Rylie Stechewich. Centre back Katia Occhino - Winnipeg's game MVP - also got in on the saves, with a goal line clearance in the 15th minute.
Emma Cunningham added to the Thunderbirds score line with a beautiful one-timer from 25 yards out in the 53rd minute, making the score 3-0 'Birds.
With just minutes left in the game, the Thunderbirds added two goals to solidify a dominant win.
Aman Shergill controlled the midfield on Saturday and showcased her passing ability in the 85th minute, as she threaded a pass through to a streaking Margaret Hadley who calmly placed it past the keeper, making it 4-0.
Hadley also added an assist to her night with a cross to Meghan Douglas, who concluded the game with a goal in the 87th minute.
Symons was enthused with the performance of the entire squad.
"I think overall we're showing that with the depth we have we can put different players in and create goal chances, and overall it was good to see Emma Cunningham score her first goal as a Thunderbird, Margaret Hadley scored her first goal as a Thunderbird and Megan Douglas getting on the score sheet …is great to see."
UBC continues their home stand at 5:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, September 16 at Ken Woods Field versus the Manitoba Bisons.
Winnipeg plays at Victoria on Saturday, with the kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
PHOTO BY Rich Lam/UBC Thunderbirds