November 7, 2005
LIONS PULL OFF UPSET FOR OUA GOLD
ST. CATHARINES - On an afternoon where the weather and field conditions were less than ideal, the No. 4 ranked York Lions women’s soccer team overcame both the elements and the nation’s top team, the Ottawa Gee-Gees, to capture its first OUA Championship. Kyla Jones’ second of the post season and team-leading sixth of the year, was the game’s lone goal, while keeper Aurelea Gumiela made eight saves to shutout the OUA’s top scoring team, 1-0.
Even though the pitch was soggy and slick, the greatest challenge for both teams came from the blustery wind, which at times was gusting in excess of 70 km/h. In the opening half, Ottawa played with the wind at its back and ended up outshooting York 5-0. The best chance for York to score came early on when Lions striker Nicole Burling chipped the ball over Gee-Gees goalie Kat Vulic but after the wind pushed the ball to the edge of the box, Burling found the side of the net with Vulic scrambling back to the goal.
Minutes after York generated its best scoring chance of the half, the Gee-Gees responded with theirs on a long strike from fifth-year midfielder Laurie Hinks that sailed dangerously towards goal. Gumiela was kept busy all half, making five saves and controlling multiple loose balls that rolled into the box. Ottawa’s first team OUA All-Star midfielder Krista Powers was kept in check in the opening half by Lions All-Star defender Meghan Smith. Starting the game on the right side, Powers couldn’t create any space for herself and was continually challenged whenever she touched the ball.
The second half nearly started in disaster for the Lions when a miscue between Gumiela and a pair of defenders allowed Powers to get her head on a cross that had to be cleared from harms way by 2004-05 North/South Rookie of the Year Ashley DePalma. From there, the Lions took advantage playing with the wind. The first real attempt on goal came from a direct kick from well out by OUA All-Star defender Jodie Williams. Directed on goal, the wind pushed the ball towards the top right corner of the net and Vulic had to dive to punch the ball out of play. Minutes later, DePalma curled a cross into the box that skipped on the slick surface and was mishandled by Vulic. Jones rushing in off the far wing, pounced on the loose ball and deposited her sixth of the season into the Ottawa goal.
Gee-Gees centre midfielder Dominik Bertrand, a five goal scorer this year, was shadowed and shutdown by North/South Player of the Year Kristy deVries during the entire game and frustration was beginning to get the better of her. In the 64th minute, Bertrand was booked after complaining about foul calls.
Ottawa’s 14-goal scorer Valeria May, also had difficulty generating scoring chances. Williams was again stalwart on defence, neutralizing the OUA’s leading scorer, winning nearly ever challenge she made.
In an attempt to open up some room for Powers and penetrate the Lions defensive back four, she was moved to the left side in the second half. The result remained the same however, as the duo of DePalma and Natasha Jacinto limited the talented midfielder to a single long range attempt with under ten minutes to play.
The Lions solid team defence, outstanding hustle and determination proved to be the difference in a tightly contested game. The loss for Ottawa was its first of the year, while the Lions earned their tenth straight victory. The Lions have only allowed a single goal in the postseason and have outscored their opposition 19-1 in their last nine games.
Both teams now prepare for the CIS Championships to be held this coming weekend in Edmonton. York’s first game will be this Thursday against the No. 5 ranked and Canada West silver medalist Victoria Vikes. Ottawa will face the AUS Champion Cape Breton Capers later in the day.
(Source: Stephen Reid, York Sports Information)
The eighth-ranked Queen's Golden Gaels won the bronze medal match played earlier in the day, needing penalty kicks to beat the host Brock Badgers 1-0 (4-3). The teams played to a goalless draw after regulation time and overtime but the Gaels scored four times in the shootout to win an OUA medal for the sixth consecutive season.
Even though the pitch was soggy and slick, the greatest challenge for both teams came from the blustery wind, which at times was gusting in excess of 70 km/h. In the opening half, Ottawa played with the wind at its back and ended up outshooting York 5-0. The best chance for York to score came early on when Lions striker Nicole Burling chipped the ball over Gee-Gees goalie Kat Vulic but after the wind pushed the ball to the edge of the box, Burling found the side of the net with Vulic scrambling back to the goal.
Minutes after York generated its best scoring chance of the half, the Gee-Gees responded with theirs on a long strike from fifth-year midfielder Laurie Hinks that sailed dangerously towards goal. Gumiela was kept busy all half, making five saves and controlling multiple loose balls that rolled into the box. Ottawa’s first team OUA All-Star midfielder Krista Powers was kept in check in the opening half by Lions All-Star defender Meghan Smith. Starting the game on the right side, Powers couldn’t create any space for herself and was continually challenged whenever she touched the ball.
The second half nearly started in disaster for the Lions when a miscue between Gumiela and a pair of defenders allowed Powers to get her head on a cross that had to be cleared from harms way by 2004-05 North/South Rookie of the Year Ashley DePalma. From there, the Lions took advantage playing with the wind. The first real attempt on goal came from a direct kick from well out by OUA All-Star defender Jodie Williams. Directed on goal, the wind pushed the ball towards the top right corner of the net and Vulic had to dive to punch the ball out of play. Minutes later, DePalma curled a cross into the box that skipped on the slick surface and was mishandled by Vulic. Jones rushing in off the far wing, pounced on the loose ball and deposited her sixth of the season into the Ottawa goal.
Gee-Gees centre midfielder Dominik Bertrand, a five goal scorer this year, was shadowed and shutdown by North/South Player of the Year Kristy deVries during the entire game and frustration was beginning to get the better of her. In the 64th minute, Bertrand was booked after complaining about foul calls.
Ottawa’s 14-goal scorer Valeria May, also had difficulty generating scoring chances. Williams was again stalwart on defence, neutralizing the OUA’s leading scorer, winning nearly ever challenge she made.
In an attempt to open up some room for Powers and penetrate the Lions defensive back four, she was moved to the left side in the second half. The result remained the same however, as the duo of DePalma and Natasha Jacinto limited the talented midfielder to a single long range attempt with under ten minutes to play.
The Lions solid team defence, outstanding hustle and determination proved to be the difference in a tightly contested game. The loss for Ottawa was its first of the year, while the Lions earned their tenth straight victory. The Lions have only allowed a single goal in the postseason and have outscored their opposition 19-1 in their last nine games.
Both teams now prepare for the CIS Championships to be held this coming weekend in Edmonton. York’s first game will be this Thursday against the No. 5 ranked and Canada West silver medalist Victoria Vikes. Ottawa will face the AUS Champion Cape Breton Capers later in the day.
(Source: Stephen Reid, York Sports Information)
The eighth-ranked Queen's Golden Gaels won the bronze medal match played earlier in the day, needing penalty kicks to beat the host Brock Badgers 1-0 (4-3). The teams played to a goalless draw after regulation time and overtime but the Gaels scored four times in the shootout to win an OUA medal for the sixth consecutive season.
