The women’s soccer team continued their hot streak with a 1-0 win against the Carleton Ravens and a 1-1 tie against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in two matches over the weekend.
In Saturday’s game against the Ravens, the Gaels posted an impressive effort, outshooting the visitors 10-2. The women finally broke through in the second half with the game-winning goal by striker Christie Gray.
Consistency and communication on the field have been the hallmarks of the Gaels’ undefeated season, and they were on full display Sunday.
The Gee-Gees, ranked first in the country, started with a goal in the first half and entered halftime with a 1-0 lead. However, in the second half, wunderkind Cecilia Way tied the game at 1-1 to keep the Gaels lossless.
“It was a game of different flows and rhythms,” said Head Coach Dave McDowell following Sunday’s game. “They’re an excellent team obviously as national champions, not losing a lot from last year.”
“For our young team, it was a tremendous learning experience. I think we learnt a lot from the first half and came out a lot better in the second half, certainly defensively.”
The Gaels initially struggled to keep up with Ottawa’s high-octane offence. However, on the back of crucial saves made by goalkeeper Alanna Richardson, the second half was much more evenly matched.
“Alanna was good in net, she kept us around in the first half where [Ottawa] really pressured us. Jenna Leslie and Alexandra Doane dealt well with situations in the back,” he said.
Despite the successful weekend, McDowell saw room for improvement. “I still think we need to be better in possession, and transitionally, we still need to be better.”
“I think we give away the ball somewhat aimlessly sometimes. Against a good team like Ottawa, you’re constantly defending, and so the pressure and stress is never relieved. Sometimes the first touch needs to be better.”
McDowell’s team had some very dynamic plays this weekend, and as a younger team, hopes to translate that composure when they take on more seasoned teams like Ottawa.
After their winning weekend, the Gaels have some time off to recover before their games next Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28 and 29, against the Nipissing Lakers and Laurentian Voyageurs respectively.
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