No. 1 UBC slips past Gritty Guelph in extra time to advance to semifinals
| Final | 1 | 2 | OT | OT2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
|
0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Team Stats
(8) Guelph
| Game Statistics | (8) Guelph | (1) UBC |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 5 (3) | 13 (9) |
| Saves | 7 | 2 |
| Fouls | 7 | 7 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 6 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
The top-seeded UBC Thunderbirds were pushed to the limit by the No. 8 Guelph Gryphons but ultimately prevailed 2-1 after extra time in the second quarterfinal of the 2025 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship, Thursday.
The win sends the Canada West champions to the national semifinal, while the OUA finalists from Guelph will move to the consolation side of the bracket.
From the opening whistle, UBC asserted their dominance, controlling possession and creating the majority of chances. The Thunderbirds outshot Guelph 6-1 in the first half, forcing Gryphons' goalkeeper Sabrina Spanointo four saves, including a crucial stop on a penalty kick from UBC's Maddy Norman in the 22nd minute.
Despite the relentless pressure, the game remained scoreless at the break thanks to Spano's heroics.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute. After seeing an attempt sail high just moments before, UBC's Holly Whelan found the mark, firing home the game's first goal to give the Thunderbirds a 1-0 lead.
The Gryphons, who had been largely contained offensively, found a lifeline late in regulation as they were awarded a penalty in the late stages. Olivia Brown stepped up and calmly converted in the 85th minute, beating UBC keeper Dakota Beckett to level the score at 1-1 and force extra time.
UBC broke through in the 102nd minute. Substitute Brooke Birnie provided the key assist, setting up Sienna Gibson, who buried her shot to put the Thunderbirds ahead for good. Guelph nearly equalized moments later, but a shot from Elise Bell was saved by Beckett, preserving the UBC victory.
With the victory, the UBC Thunderbirds advance to the national semifinal tomorrow. The Guelph Gryphons will look to regroup as they head to a consolation game.