Vancouver, BC – The University of Victoria men's soccer team's Canada West playoff run came to an end on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 to the UBC Thunderbirds in the Canada West semifinal at Thunderbird Stadium.
The Vikes battled through a scoreless first half against a high-powered UBC attack.
- Victoria absorbed significant pressure in the opening 45 minutes as the Thunderbirds outshot the Vikes 13-1 before halftime.
- Goalkeeper Callum Weir was called upon repeatedly and made seven first-half saves to keep the match level heading into the break.
- Aided by Weir's strong play, the backline of the Vikes had a strong first-half as they remained organized amidst the Thunderbirds' offensive onslaught.
UBC broke through in the second half.
- The Thunderbirds opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, forcing the Vikes to shift to a more aggressive offensive game plan.
- Victoria pushed for an equalizer and generated seven of its eight shots after halftime but was unable to solve the UBC goalkeeper..
- UBC added an insurance goal in the 81st minute to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Vikes kept pressing but couldn't break through.
- Alex Moody and Takin Keshavarz each recorded a shot on target in the quest for a game-tying goal.
- Weir finished the afternoon with eight saves as the Vikes withstood sustained pressure from a UBC side that finished with a 21-8 advantage in shots.
- Victoria also matched UBC's intensity physically, limiting the Thunderbirds to just two goals despite facing 10 shots on target.
Notables
- Callum Weir recorded eight saves, tying his highest save total of the postseason.
- The Vikes carried a seven-match unbeaten streak into the conference semifinal.
Despite the defeat, the Vikes' season will continue as hosts of the 2026 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship. Victoria will now await its opponent and opening match at the national championship tournament.
