UBC Okanagan Heat Soccer Teams Face Tough Losses Over Weekend

URGENT UPDATE: Both UBC Okanagan Heat soccer teams suffered significant setbacks this weekend, with the women’s team facing a crushing 5-0 defeat against the undefeated UBC Thunderbirds and the men’s team struggling to find their footing with a 5-0 loss to the Alberta Golden Bears followed by a 1-1 draw against the MacEwan Griffins.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Heat women were dominated by the Thunderbirds in front of a lively homecoming crowd. UBC took control early, firing 19 shots, including 11 on target, while Heat goalkeeper Allyson Ford faced relentless pressure, managing to save only one of the four shots from her own team. Goals from Jayda Thompson, Ella Sunde, Sienna Gibson, and two from Maddy Norman sealed the Heat’s fate, leaving them with a record of 2-3-1 this season.

Next, the women’s team will embark on a crucial four-game road trip, starting with a match against the UFV Cascades in Abbotsford on Friday, September 26.

Meanwhile, the men’s squad faced a tumultuous weekend in Edmonton. On Saturday, September 23, the Heat fell 5-0 to the Alberta Golden Bears, who scored just six minutes into the match and never relinquished their lead. The game turned dire for the Heat when defender Sam Cote received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute, further crippling their chances. Goalkeeper Ronan Woodruffe registered three saves, but the Bears’ dominant performance was overwhelming.

The following day, the Heat rebounded with a gritty effort against the MacEwan Griffins, managing a 1-1 draw. Early adversity struck when defender Allan Yin received a red card for a foul after the whistle. The Griffins capitalized on this momentum, scoring in the 42nd minute through Nicolas Luczkiewicz. However, the Heat answered back in stoppage time with a quick counterattack led by Gavin La Montagne, culminating in a goal by Dario Fedele to level the match.

Despite being heavily pressured throughout the game, the Heat defense held firm, with goalkeeper Tyson Gugushe making essential saves, marking his first start in Canada West. This draw leaves the men’s team still searching for their first victory of the season with a record of 0-6-2.

Looking ahead, both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around as they prepare for their next matches. The men’s team will travel to battle the Victoria Vikes on Friday, September 26, while the women’s team aims to regain momentum on their road trip. Fans will be watching closely as both teams strive for redemption in their upcoming contests.