Mustangs blank Memorial, to battle Montreal for fifth

(Photo credit Stephane Gaudreau)

QUEBEC CITY (CIS) – A day after suffering a heartbreaking defeat in penalty kicks, the Western Mustangs made quick work to go and stay in front against the Memorial Sea-Hawks, winning the consolation semifinal 2-0 at Stade TELUS-Université Laval, Friday afternoon.
 
The Western Mustangs made sure they were able to play one more game defeating a Memorial Sea-hawks side that struggled to create momentum throughout the match. Goals from defender Jenna White (Winnipeg, Man.) and midfielder Jess Friend (Bowmanville, Ont.) were all the Mustangs needed in a 2-0 victory.

Western now meets the Montreal Carabins, who won the earlier consolation semifinal, to decide the fifth sixth positions. That game takes place Saturday at 11 a.m.

"The girls played a great 90 minutes. It's tough to come out and play with intensity after a difficult loss, and I am proud of them. I thought we had a great game," said Western assistant coach Laura Paturel.

Memorial head coach Walt Mavin acknowledged the talent Western displayed. "We were up against a very good team today. Western had a lot of possession against us and I thought we struggled to maintain possession when we regained it," said Mavin. "Full credit to them, they are really good and they showed it today."

The Mustangs were all over the field in the first half, dominating with a 10-1 advantage in the shot department. However, the Sea-Hawks lone chance was the first real scoring opportunity.

In the 31st minute, Emily Bailey (Mount Pearl, Nfld.) managed to sneak behind the defence and Western keeper Tori Edgar (Oakville, Ont.), only to be denied by a last second challenge from Mustangs defender Lauren Vandenbygaart (Oakville, Ont.).

From then on Western took control.

Just before half-time Jenna White struck a thirty yard free-kick from distance that grazed the bottom of the crossbar beating Sea-Hawks keeper Hannah Noseworthy (Mount Pearl, Nfld.).

The second half continued much the same as the first ended. Western were able to double their lead when Jess Friend lobbed a ball over Noseworthy in the 58th minute.

The Sea-Hawks tried to get back into the game, but Western were too strong for Memorial to create any momentum.

SCORING SUMMARY:
WES 1-1: 2
MUN 0-0: 0

First Half
1. WES Jenna White (1), 45th
 
Second Half
2. WES Jess Friend (1), 58th   
 
Goalkeepers:
WES: Tori Edgar (W, 0 GA, 2 saves, 90:00, 1-1)
MUN: Hannah Noseworthy (L, 2 GA, 9 saves, 90:00, 0-2)

Team Stats
Shots: WES 24, MUN 4
Shots on net: WES 12, MUN 2
Corners: WES 7, MUN 2
Offsides: WES 0, MUN 0
Fouls: WES 5, MUN 5
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None

Players of the game:
WES: Angelika Mihalopulos
MUN: Hannah Noseworthy

Source: CIS