Vancouver, BC – The University of the Fraser Valley women's soccer team defended valiantly, but Katalin Tolnai's goal just before the half time whistle proved to be the difference for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the season opener.

As it happened:
UBC controlled possession in the first half, but five saves from UFV Goalkeeper Kareena Sahota kept the teams level into first half stoppage time. It looked as though the Cascades would make it to the break level with the defending Canada West champions, but just before the half Tolnai found the breakthrough getting on the end of a cross from Sophie Damian to put UBC up 1-0.

The teams continued much the same way throughout the second half, as Sahota made a number of great stops to keep UBC at bay. Despite more pressure from the Thunderbirds they would not find another way past the Cascades' keeper, and UFV was unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.  

Top performers:
Sahota stood out all evening for the Cascades, making 10 saves and only allowing the lone marker from Tolnai

Tolnai picked up the game-winner and added two shots on goal as the 17-goal scorer from 2022 got off the mark early this season.

Seven Cascades made their first Canada West appearances in a solid defensive effort against last year's conference champions.

Quotable:
Cascades head coach Ari Adams

"The team did really well. They bought into our defensive structure, and every single player on the field put in shifts and defended. Kareena was outstanding in net, coming out to win every corner, and get a hand on every ball."

"This is what we planned for. UBC is a very talented, attacking team, and we frustrated them. They had more possession, we knew that was going to be the case, but the team came out and competed and battled to win fifty fifties and knock downs."

"We played one of the top teams in the country for our first game – we are just going to keep improving and getting better and put more attacking pieces together against other teams."

Where they sit:
The Cascades drop to 0-1-0 to start the season, while the Thunderbirds improve to 1-0-0. UFV now heads off to Prince George for a matchup with the UNBC Timberwolves this Saturday at 12pm PT. Tune in to Canada West TV for live coverage of the match.