KELOWNA, B.C. – Despite the heroics of goalkeeper Ronan Woodroffe, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team was unable to earn a result in their home opener at Nonis Sports Field on Friday night as they dropped a 2-1 decision to the UBC Thunderbirds.

Woodroffe, a Toronto product, topped his previous career-high of eight saves set in his rookie season, as he posted nine saves in the defeat, including seven in the second half alone. Matteo Bigattini of Kelowna, B.C., scored UBCO's lone goal in the 43rd minute as the second year forward potted his first goal of the season and fourth of his career.

Sebastian Dzikowski, a third-year from Calgary, Alta. continued his strong start to the season with his conference-leading fifth goal of the season. Dzikowski, opened the scoring in the 18th minute.

The visitors would grab all three points late in the match as the Heat were charged with an own goal in the 86^th minute.

UBC got one save from Sweden's Axel Thulin Lennseli who made his first start of the season.

TOP PERFORMERS
Ronan Woodroffe - UBCO Heat

The keeper, entering his second season in Kelowna, topped his old career-high of eight stops in a match against Thompson Rivers last season. Seven of his nine saves came in the second half.

Sebastian Dzikowski - UBC Thunderbirds

The reigning Canada West men's soccer Player of the Week potted his fifth goal and seventh point of the year, both tops in the conference.

WHERE THEY SIT

The loss sees UBCO start the year with a 1-2-0 record while the T-Birds stay undefeated at 3-0-0.

UP NEXT

The Heat are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they host the Victoria Vikes at 5:30 p.m. at Nonis Sports Field. Tickets to the game are free for all fans.