SASKATOON – Katalin Tolnai scored the only goal of the match as the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds were able to hold off the Lethbridge Pronghorns 1-0 in Canada West women's soccer Play-in action on Friday in Saskatoon.
"These games are hard and credit to Lethbridge, they sat back and defended really well," said Thunderbirds head coach Jesse Symons. "I thought we controlled the game for most of it and were comfortable after the early goal which is what we wanted. Overall we are happy to be playing on Sunday."
Tolnai's strike was just one of seven shots UBC fired on net in the game, as Pronghorns goalie Hannah Quinn was heroic in defeat.
With the win UBC advances to the Canada West Quarter-final stage, where they will play the Saskatchewan Huskies on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Saskatoon.
Despite the heavy shot advantage for the Thunderbirds, it was the Pronghorns who had the first chance of the game.
Just minutes into the contest Tory Clements went on a great individual run but her effort on net was parried away by Emily Moore for her lone save of the contest.
"We played very disciplined, which is what we wanted our girls to do and what we have done all season," said Pronghorns head coach Isla Wong. "We know that we have struggled to score goals in the run of play so it was important for us to transition well. We had a couple of decent opportunities and just couldn't put it behind them."
From there the remainder of the first half was all UBC. The Thunderbirds, who finished third in Pacific Division with a record of 8-2-4, racked up both time in possession and shots on net but were frustrated by a stout Pronghorns backline.
The breakthrough for UBC came in the 25th minute.
Natasha Klasios played a ball into the path of Tolnai and the striker unleashed a beautiful curling shot that found its way past Quinn and into the back of the net.
The Thunderbirds continued to pile on the pressure, outshooting Lethbridge 7-1 and earning nine corners to the Pronghorns one at halftime.
The second half continued much in the same vein with UBC pushing for an insurance marker but the Pronghorns denying them at every turn.
With just five minutes left to play and time winding down in their season, the Pronghorns went on the attack.
Ellie Kabayama played multiple dangerous balls towards Lucy Mundy but the UBC defence stood strong, sending them on in the playoffs with the 1-0 victory.
"It will be a tough battle on Sunday for sure, Sask has a talented team," said Symons. "We are looking forward to resetting and refreshing and have a game that we are excited to play in."
