WSOC | Voyageurs Draw Ravens

An improved outing by the Laurentian Voyageurs in the second match of their road trip to the Nation's Capital earned them a hard-fought draw against the Carleton Ravens on Sunday.

The match started with fireworks when, only a minute into the match, the Voyageurs earned a free kick in a promising area but the resulting shot from Amanda Cuthbert rung off the crossbar and stayed out. The rest of the first half was a see-saw battle between the two teams as they both jostled for possession and goals but neither would be successful in its quest.

The second half was much more of the same as of the first. Possession between the two teams was even throughout the half but the Ravens had more goal scoring opportunities. One such opportunity came when a good cross found a Raven forward in front of the net but her shot was sent high. Another instance came when a weak shot from a Raven forward toward an empty net was dispatched away by Rachel Shepherd. It is important to note the stellar play of Voyageur goalkeeper, Heather McGregor, who made a number of important and highlight reel saves to keep her team in it and the match scoreless.

A meaningful attack in the second half came courtesy of Megan Short who attempted a long range shot that forced the Ravens' goalkeeper to make a desperate sprawling save. The Voyageurs would indeed have multiple runs into enemy territory but ultimately, were not able to make something of it.

The Ravens, in the dying minutes of the match threw all they had and earned multiple scoring opportunities but McGregor stood tall. One of these came via a free kick near the Voyageur penalty box, the other a long range attempt that forced McGregor to make a desperate sprawling save and finally, seconds before the final whistle blew, a headed ball from a Ravens' corner kick found its way towards goal but was turned aside by Victoria-Maria Galluzo. In conclusion, both teams played out scoreless hard-fought draw.

The Voyageurs will now look to get their first win of 2019 when they host their long-time rivals, the Nipissing Lakers, on September 22. Kick off is scheduled for 12 pm.

Wali Khan

Sports Writer