WSOC | Voyageurs Top Excalibur
"We knew we had no choice but to win if we wanted a chance at the playoffs," said Rachel Sheppard, stressing the importance of their match against the Trent Excalibur. Therefore, staying true to their mentality, they would not disappoint as the Voyageurs women's soccer team beat the Trent Excalibur in a very physical game by a margin of 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The Voyageurs started off slow and fell behind early when just three minutes in, the Excalibur took a one goal lead on a goal from Emma Twohey with an assist from Delanee Judd. But not long after, at the 17th minute mark, Amanda Cuthbert from the Voyageurs scored the equalizer, rejuvenating the team's spirits. The Lady Vees greatly picked up the intensity after the game-tying goal as they looked for the go ahead marker. "After we scored the tying goal we put everything we had onto the field. From defence to forwards everyone was going all in and giving it everything they got" said Rachel Sheppard. However, both team's defenses held their own and maintained a 1-1 score line going into halftime.
Laurentian continued their dominating style of play in the second half and it wouldn't take them long to find the go-ahead goal. With greater possession of the ball it would take them just eighteen more minutes to score when Mia De Gasperis put the ball in the back of the net with an assist from Brianne Rodrigue at the 63rd minute mark of the match. Neither team was able to find the back of the net after and the Voyageurs were able to edge past the Excalibur in a highly physical affair.
Caitlin McNamara had an outstanding outing today, recording twelve saves in the victory.
Coach Gallo was satisfied with his team's performance and praised his side's resiliency. "It was a must win game today, went down early 1-0, a resilient group fought our way back, freshman Amanda scores her first OUA goal, Killer Bree sets up the Roadrunner Mia for the game winner our playoff heartbeat continues."
With Toronto losing to Queen's today, the Voyageurs now sit just two points out of a playoff spot. They have a bye week next week but resume playing following the fall reading week. They will welcome the aforementioned Queen's Gaels on Saturday at 12 pm.
Wali Khan
Sports Writer