While the Gaels claimed two points on the weekend, missed opportunities denied them from picking up more.
On Sept. 1, the Queen’s Women’s Soccer Team drew 0-0 against the Carleton Ravens at Richardson Stadium. The game was a rematch of the season opener in which the Gaels defeated the Ravens at Carleton University by a score of 2-1.
The team had the opportunity to play in front of a lively, rambunctious home crowd, mainly comprised of first-year students who were attending the game as part of orientation week. Using this energy, Queen’s came out strong, applying early pressure and keeping the ball in Carleton’s end.
However, the Ravens were able to keep the Gaels to the perimeters and limit the number of dangerous scoring chances. As the first half progressed, the game evened out with each side applying pressure in spurts.
Then came the best scoring chance of the game for Queen’s at the end of the first half. The Gaels were awarded a penalty kick at the 44-minute mark, giving them a chance to grab the lead just before halftime. However, the penalty kick was saved, and the ensuing rebound was sent high of the goal. Shortly after, the first half ended with the teams at a scoreless tie.
Much like the first half, the second half saw very little high-quality scoring chances; each team playing more reserved in an attempt to at least secure a point. The Ravens almost capitalized on a Gaels giveaway around the 75-minute mark but couldn’t get a shot on goal during the play.
Despite the remaining crowd cheering on the team for perhaps a late game-winner, no goal was ever scored, and the two teams ended the game in a 0-0 draw.
The Journal caught up with Head Coach Dave McDowell after the game to discuss his team’s strong defensive performance.
“I thought the team’s defending was very good,” McDowell said. “Overall, I thought our back four played very well, even though there are a couple injuries in it.”
McDowell also credited the Ravens for playing a well-structured defensive game.
When asked about areas for improvements, he stressed the need for more creativity and improving penalty kicks.
“We need a bit more creativity from our midfielders, and certainly from our [flank] player, we missed a couple penalties in previous games too, so we’ll get that sorted out, that’s my fault,” McDowell said.
The head coach also appreciated the energy and encouragement that the home crowd provided to his team during the game.
“I’m sure [this was] the biggest crowd [the team] has played in front of, and I thought they dealt with that really well. Crowd was fantastic, it was really enjoyable. What a great atmosphere for it,” he said.
Similar to Friday’s game, the game on Sunday between Queen’s and Toronto Metropolitan University ended in a draw, this time with a score of 1-1. The match was the annual Kick for a Cure game, helping fundraise money and spread awareness in support of cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. Sophie Campbell, ArtSci ’30, picked up the lone goal for the Gaels early in the contest.
The two draws put the Women’s Soccer team at a 2-1-2 record. Their next game is against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees this upcoming Friday at Richardson, with kickoff at 5 p.m.
Tags
Canadian Cancer Society, OUA, richardson stadium, Woman's Soccer
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