MSOC: Goodey, TWolves hold off T-Birds, earn 0-0 draw
Rob Goodey made nine saves and the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves held off the dangerous UBC Thunderbirds, earning a 0-0 draw on Sunday, September 29th in Prince George, B.C.
The TWolves responded to the challenge and looked to match the Thunderbirds step for step. Easier said than done, as the visitors applied pressure in the early going. Jordan Haynes and Kerman Pannu both had opportunities in the first twenty minutes, but Goodey was able to turn them aside.
“It’s part of playing for a good team. You see the best teams in the English Premier League, lots of goalies don’t have to make too many saves,” said Roberts. “When they’re called upon, they come up big. That’s what I try to do with our team.”
In the second half, UBC hemmed the home side into their own third, earning corner kicks and free kicks that led to dangerous chances. One three minutes stretch, beginning in the 65th minute, saw the T-Birds attempt five corner kicks and a free kick from the top of the box, but Goodey was tremendous, making diving saves to keep the game even.
UBC’s best opportunity came in the 79th minute as Haynes found the ball at his feet and hammered one on net that looked destined to break the tie, but Goodey again made a diving stop to preserve UNBC’s hopes.
“It’s a positive we are getting into those spaces, first of all,” said Jackson Farmer. “Getting chances, getting corners. It is a little frustrating when you can’t put the ball in the net, when you get ten or fifteen corners, but you just have to try your hardest to put that thing in.”
“They came to play. You could tell they wanted a result, as any team should,” said Farmer. “They were physical and they actually played a lot, which was nice to get on against. Those things made it a little difficult for us this weekend.”
“Any team in our league will say a point against UBC is a point gained,” said Goodey, postgame. “Doesn’t matter who is it. It’s a shame we didn’t get more. A fantastic team effort today.”