W-Soccer Roundup: Laurier beats Guelph in battle of nationally ranked teams

The Gee-Gees improved to 4-0-2 on the season with the win and doubled their season goal total.

“We’ve got players who can score,” said head coach Steve Johnson. “Probably unfortunate for Trent that they met a team that was disappointed giving up a goal against Carleton in the last minute. For us, it’s nice to know that we can score and that our players are hungry.”

Were they ever, shaking off a frustrating draw to rival Carleton on Wednesday and sprinting to a 7-0 by the 35th minute against Trent.

The Gee-Gees saw most of the action controlling the ball throughout the game and consistently sending their attackers in on runs behind Excalibur defenders. They didn’t allow a single shot to reach both keepers - Alexandra Girouard in the first half and Julia McDonald taking over in the second.

Sophomore midfielder Sheniz Eryuzlu, was one of four Gee-Gees to score multiple times on the day.

“Today I just took it play by play. I make sure I focused on every play,” she said. “I tell myself ‘I’ve got to get this touch, make this pass.’ Just break it down bit by bit so I’m still playing at 100 per cent.”

She stayed sharp despite the blowout score, burying the first two goals of the second half off of rebounds.

Fifth-year midfielder Krista Draycott was efficient with her time on the field, playing just the first half and putting away four goals. Pilar Khoury helped the cause with two more goals and assisting on another. Third-year Julia Francki chipped in two more, while Chantal McFetridge contributed another.

The Gee-Gees visit the 1-3-2 Nipissing Lakers next Saturday, September 21 and the 3-1-2 Laurentian Voyageurs on Sunday, September 22. 

Source: Ottawa Sports Info

UOIT @ York

Striker Sarah Wong of Toronto booted a stellar penalty kick past the outstretched arms of goaltender Laura Whelan during injury time Sunday (Sept. 15), propelling the York University Lions women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the UOIT Ridgebacks. The win was York's first of the season.

The penalty came after a late push by the Lions in the final moments of regulation time, pressuring the Ridgebcks into committing a costly mistake. The goal by Wong was the first of her career with the Lions.
 
The game started off with the same furious pace from the opening touch at York Stadium. The Lions' first early chance came from a head butt off of a long throw in attempt by Shannon Wood (Brampton, Ont.) in the 13th minute.
 
The game remained scoreless at the half.
 
UOIT would battle back early in the second, with Sonia Sampogna (Toronto) on the receiving end of a well-executed free kick, sneaking in goal past Lions goalie Sarah Fiorini (Newmarket, Ont.) to give the Ridgebacks a 1-0 lead.
 
The Lions quickly regrouped, however, and Samantha Furlin (Maple, Ont.) answered the challenge, receiving a beautiful long pass from Fiorini and launching the ball into the back of the net to tie the game 1-1 in the 70th minute.
 
The Lions would commit a costly error inside the 18-yard box in the 89th minute, handing Sampogna a penalty shot opportunity for her chance to add a second goal to her total. A spectacular leaping save from Fiorini would shut the door, preserving the tie. Sampogna would finish with three shots.
 
The final assault by York was a flurry of action in front of the Ridgebacks' net, leading to the penalty. Wong's goal came in injury time, proving to be the nail in the coffin.
 
The Lions are now 1-2-3 on the season, and will take on the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday (Sept. 21), in Waterloo, Ont. The next game at York Stadium is set for Saturday (Oct. 5) against the McMaster Marauders.

Source: York Sports Info

Western @ Laurier

Guelph @ Brock

ST. CATHARINES, ONT. – For the first time in 2013, Brock's women's soccer team took a loss on their home field Sunday, falling 1-0 to the No. 10 ranked Guelph Gryphons.

Freshman goalkeeper Jenna Vasiliaskas stole the show in net for the Badgers, keeping Guelph off the scoreboard until the 78th minute when the Gryphons Couetney Whiteside added her fourth goal of the campaign.

Vasiliaskas stopped 10 of the 11 shots that came her way, and was aided by a strong midfield effort from her teammates. It was the rookie's first career OUA loss.

Brock's Alicia Robinson was named MVP of the contest after applying significant pressure on the Gryphons all afternoon, while Sara Vitaterna helped limit Guelph to just the one goal with her effort on defense.

Next up for the Badgers is a homecoming date with Western Saturday at 1:00 PM, before concluding their season-high five game homestand on Sunday as they host the Waterloo Warriors.

Source: Brock Sports Info

Windsor @ McMaster

The McMaster Marauders (2-1-3) leapfrogged the Windsor Lancers into fourth place in the OUA West standings with a 2-1 win Sunday afternoon at Ron Joyce Stadium.

One mistake on the Lancers part was all it took for the Marauders to claim their first home victory of the season, as Ann Yeboah scored from the penalty spot in the 77th minute.

Although it was only their second victory of the season, Sunday's result marked the fourth-consecutive game in which the Marauders took away at least a point.

The afternoon match opened favourably for the hosts, as second-year midfielder Amanda Jones produced a classy finish to open the scoring in the 11th minute. A loose ball bounced to Jones at the edge of the area, and the midfielder unleashed a looping half-volley that found the far side of Windsor's goal.

The Lancers immediately set about the task of finding an equalizer, and accomplished just that in the 25th minute. A clearance fell to Becca Fuerth, and with the Marauders moving to close down, the Lancer midfielder drilled a low shot that Marauder goalkeeper Brittany Duffey could only slow.

Play slowed as the halftime whistle approached, and the break came without further incident.

The match appeared destined for a draw as the second wore on and neither team could craft a decisive chance. But when a Marauder breakthrough was brought to an end by a sloppy tackle, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and forward Ann Yeboah coolly slotted the resulting spot kick home.

All that remained was to defend the advantage, and McMaster convincingly battened down the hatches in the final minutes to secure three points on their home field.

The Marauders will play the role of host again in just a few short days, as they welcome the Waterloo Warriors to Ron Joyce Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 18. That midweek contest will get underway at 5:00 p.m.

Source: McMaster Sports Info

Queen's @ Nipissing

The Nipissing Lakers women’s soccer team stunned the No. 2 Queen's Gaels scoring a late goal to earn a 1-1 draw with one of Canada's top teams.

It was the Gaels that got off to a quick start as Monique Czazkowski made a quick run down the left flank and made a perfect cross to Brittany Almeida who then fired a shot past Lakers keeper Carlee Bennard who made a valiant diving effort.

The Lakers got their best chance of the first half in the 17th minute when two free kicks in a row were awarded and on the second attempt Renee Clarke fired a great shot that hit the cross bar and bounced out of harm’s way.

A short time later the referee made a controversial decision when he called initially called a goal that he stated crossed the goal line when keeper Bennard punched out the ball however to his credit he consulted the side-line official and reversed his initial decision which by all accounts was the correct call.

Bennard would keep the Lakers within striking distance and she made several key saves to keep the score 1-0 for Queen’s at half.

The Gaels applied some strong pressure minutes into the second half and Bennard made some quality stops to once again keep the Queen’s high powered offence off the board.

With seven minutes remaining in the game it appeared that the Gaels would get their second goal as Czazkowski ran past her defender and chipped the ball over a charging Bennard however defender Claire Majid made an incredible play to kick the ball away just before it crossed the goal line. This was one of several key clearings by the Lakers defence throughout the match.

The Lakers would then get the break they were looking for as a corner kick by the Lakers was headed to Clarke who turned and fired a shot that was originally blocked by the Gaels defence however she neatly collected the rebound and fired a high shot that beat the Queen’s keeper to even the game.

Queen’s would have several chances late in the game however the Lakers defence stood tall to preserve the 1-1 draw.

The Lakers now have a 1-2-3 regular season record while Queen’s sits at 4-0-2.

The Lakers will be back in action Saturday as they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees at noon.
 
Source: Nipissing Sports Info

RMC @ Laurentian

The Laurentian Voyageurs women's soccer team found redemption against the RMC Paladins winning 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Laurentian started off the game with intensity and put RMC under pressure right from the opening whistle.  The Voyageurs earned their first goal early on, when third year Celine Valiquette (Sault Ste Marie, ON) scored her second goal of the season off a cross at the 4th minute mark. The Voyageurs continued to create opportunities in the Paladins end, earning four corners and putting eight shots on net during the first 45 minutes.

The second half got going in the same way as the first for the Voyageurs, with a goal coming in within minutes of the play starting up. Sophomore Megan Ferguson (Kitchener, ON) capitalized on a through ball, netting her first OUA goal after 48 minutes of play. Laurentian continued to put pressure on the Paladins back line, and their persistence payed off when third year Julie Lopez (Ottawa, ON) scored the Voyageurs third goal of the game. The second half was positive for the Voyageurs, with many changes being made to the line up, yet the intensity remaining elevated, and many opportunities being created from all players on the field. Third year goaltender Richele Greenwood (Mississauga, ON) stopped all shots that came her way, and earned her third shutout of the year.

The women now face the Carleton Ravens at home on Sept. 21st at noon.  Continue to follow your Voyageurs at www.luvoyageurs.com for up-to-date news and results.

Source: Laurentian Sports Info

Sept. 14 - Trent @ Carleton

The Carleton Ravens put on an offensive clinic at Ravens Field on Saturday afternoon with a convincing 8-0 shutout over the visiting Trent Excalibur.

It was all offence for the entire game as Carleton ran all over the Trent Excalibur.
Both teams played without a back-up goalkeeper and it ended up affecting one way more than the other.

The Ravens took full advantage of the situation when Trent starter Emily Webb left the game in the first half with an injury.

As a result, the Excalibur was forced to alternate a pair of defenders between the pipes the rest of the game.

Samantha Nealon (Ottawa, ON) and Andrea Way (Navan, ON) led the Ravens with three goals apiece. Emma Landry (Ottawa, ON) and Megan Sequeira (Calgary, AB) had the other Carleton markers.

“Our game plan was to shoot a lot on Trent, we wanted to create scoring opportunities,” said Alex McNutt, Ravens head coach.

“I was happy with the way the team kept pushing on offense even when we were up by a couple.”
Carleton led 3-0 at the halfway mark of the game then had their way with Trent for the remainder of the contest kicking home another 5 goals for the 8-0 win.

Nealon and Way, Carleton’s top scorers on the day were happy with their performances against Trent.
“Before the game I thought about scoring a hat trick but never really imagined it would happen,” said Way. “To actually see it happen is pretty cool.”

As for Nealon, the fourth year Law major was pleasantly surprised with her goal output.

“I usually play midfield but had the chance to move up to striker and took advantage of my opportunities, it was a nice feeling to score that many goals.”

The Ravens improve their record to 4-1-1 and 13 points in the OUA East division.With the loss, Trent’s record falls to 1-5-0.

The Ravens will play their next two games on the road beginning next Saturday, Sept. 21 at Sudbury when they visit the Laurentian Voyageurs. Game at LU soccer field is scheduled for noon. On Sunday, Sept. 22 Carleton travel to North Bay, Ontario for a noon contest against the Nipissing Lakers.

Source: Carleton Sports Info

Windsor @ Brock

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – The Brock University women's soccer team improved to 0-1-4 on Saturday afternoon, after playing to a 1-1 draw against the Windsor Lancers.

Trailing most of the game, the Badgers found their way onto the scoresheet in extra time as sophomore Kelly Miller (Brantford, Ont.) beat Lancers GK Tara Bernard-Rae to even the score.

Despite being outshot 15-5, the Badgers held their own for all 90 minutes, and were aided by a pair of highlight reel saves from their freshman goalkeeper, Alexa Jackman (Niagara Falls, Ont.). The lone Lancer goal came in the 16th minute, off the foot of Bella Riccardi.

Miller's goal, which came moments after the referee indicated how many minutes of extra time would occur, keeps Brock unbeaten at home this season. It was also the Badgers' only shot in the second half, compared to Windsor who managed nine on Jackman in the final 45 minutes.

Jamil Millar, Nadia Bathish and Cailyn Durish also had shots on goal for Brock. Jackman's 14 saves continued the trend of hot goalkeeping this season, as the position continues to be a strength for the Badgers.

On Sunday, the Guelph Gryphons make their way to St. Catharines to battle the Badgers at 1:00 p.m. Brock will look to extended their undefeated streak to a season-high three games in front of their home crowd.

Source: Brock Sports Info

RMC @ Nipissing

The Nipissing Lakers women’s soccer team, who were playing on home soil for the first time since Sept. 4, 2012, needed a furious late game comeback to draw the RMC Paladins 2-2 earning a hard fought point.

The start was not what the Lakers were looking for as RMC applied strong pressure right off the bat by pouncing on a loose ball in the midfield and generated a good scoring chance that resulted in a strong strike that  sailed just over the cross bar.

The Paladins were able to find the mark first as Lisa Udegbunam was the recipient of a lovely through ball and she made no mistake tucking the shot past sprawling keeper Carlee Bennard. Gradually the Lakers seemed to take over the possession game however chance after chance seemed to sail high and wide.

With half time approaching RMC moved the ball up field and a scramble ensued with the ball ricocheting around several times before landing at Udegbunam feet. She made the most of her opportunity by striking a terrific ball in the top right corner putting RMC up 2-0 at half. 

Early in the second half both team exchanged good scoring opportunities with Bennard coming up big for the Lakers with a key save and the RMC defensive core sweeping away the several corner kicks the Lakers generated.

The Lakers offence was finally reward as the midfield moved the ball to the left flank which was then crossed back to the middle of the field where Ashley Poirier scored her first goal of the season by striking the loose ball that resulted from the cross.

With the clock and odds against them the Lakers mounted one last charge as injury time was about to run out and the ball was moved forward and after a mad scramble in front of the net Sara Dorval found the ball, side stepped a defender and fired a shot that blew by a shocked RMC keeper.

The dramatic conclusion to the match came 30 seconds later as the referee blew his whistle to end the game. The Lakers regular season record is now 1-2-2 while RMC sits at 0-4-1.

The Lakers are back in action tomorrow against the Queen’s Gaels and the game will be played at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex beginning at noon.

Source: Nipissing Sports Info

Queen's @ Laurentian

The Laurentian Voyageurs women’s soccer team saw their four-game unbeaten streak to start the season end on Saturday, falling 3-0 to the No. 2 Queen's Gaels at LU Soccer Fields.

The first half was the best of the two for the Voyageurs, with scoring opportunities coming off of an early corner kick and a free kick later in the half. The Gaels capitalized off a steal by striker Rachel Radu at the 27th minute. Laurentian was unable to gain control in the middle of the field, however they were able to keep the Gaels at one for the entirety of the half with a very strong defensive presence.

The Voyageurs made changes to their line up during the second half, however they were unable to solidify their presence on the field. The Gaels netted two goals in the second half, with Tara Batram and Kayla Crnic scoring at the 49th and 85th minute, respectively.

The women now face the RMC Paladins at home on Sept. 15 at noon.  Continue to follow your Voyageurs at www.luvoyageurs.com for up-to-date news and results.

Source: Laurentian Sports Info

Sept. 13 - Guelph @ Laurier

WATERLOO, Ont. (September 13, 2013) - The No. 9 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women's soccer team played host to the undefeated No. 10 Guelph Gryphons Friday night. Coming off a 1-0 loss in Windsor, the Hawks (3-1-1) put together their best game of the year and dealt the Gryphons (4-1-0) their first blow of the season in a 1-0 win.

York @ McMaster

Another day, another stout defensive effort from the McMaster Marauders. It is quickly becoming a trend early in this OUA season. Returning home to Ron Joyce Stadium, the women's soccer team held the York Lions at bay and fought to a scoreless draw on Friday night.

With the result, the Marauders (1-1-3) have now gained at least a point in three consecutive games.

Goalkeeper Brittany Duffey was a prominent figure once again, facing nine shots without incident en route to the Marauders third clean sheet in five conference games to begin the 2013 campaign. She was not overly busy in the Friday draw, but took charge of set pieces, demonstrated sure hands on 50-50 plays in the box, and produced an alert reaction save in first half stoppage time to preserve the draw.

McMaster did not threaten often on Friday, struggling to string the final ball to forwards Emma Mangialardi and Ann Yeboah. But the Marauders compensated for their troubles in the final third with discipline in midfield, and successfully contained the Lions in possession.

McMaster returns to the field on Sunday, Sept. 15 to complete its home weekend against the Windsor Lancers (2-2). That matinee game will get underway at 1:00 p.m.

Source: McMaster Sports Info