The No. 6 University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s soccer team shutout their in-town rival Ryerson Rams by a score of 3-0 on Wednesday, October 7 at Varsity Centre.

The Varsity Blues controlled much of the first half with a well-disciplined possession game and strong passing through midfield, which left Ryerson defenders under pressure early on and it didn’t take long before Toronto would find the net.

In the 16th minute, Arin King received a corner kick just inside the 18-yard box. The Pickering, Ont. native placed a low hard shot past the outstretched arm of Ryerson keeper Michelle Smiciklas (Oakville, Ont.) to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. Toronto continued the attack, forcing two more corner kicks that were narrowly missed before the 20-minute mark of the opening half. Blues rookie Jessica Fantozzi (Richmond Hill, Ont.) nearly put U of T up by a pair, nailing the ball just wide of the right post after a Ryerson turnover.

The Rams could not muster any consistent attack as their only threatening opportunity came off a Blues’ defensive error. A flat-footed defender got caught too high and Ryerson forward Calaigh Copland (Peterborough, Ont.) got a clear shot on net from 10 yards outside the penalty area. Blues’ goalkeeper Mary Anne Barnes (Scarborough, Ont.) made a fantastic save, leaping and catching a well paced kick to keep Ryerson off the score sheet.

The score would remain 1-0 Toronto heading into half time.

The second half began with more of the same. King City native Erica Basso continued her strong play on the forward line, keeping the Rams’ defence on their toes throughout the first few minutes of the second frame.

Melanie Seabra (Brampton, Ont.) made an excellent run down the right sideline in the 62nd minute, sending a low cross towards the net that was deflected away from Basso at the last moment on a good read by Smiciklas.

The play opened up for both sides as the second half continued. Ryerson won a corner in the 71st minute, which the Blues defended well. Moments later, following a scramble play in front of the Ryerson net, U of T’s Mel Bowen had an open shot and fired it low, forcing the Rams keeper to make another solid save to keep the squad in the game.

Toronto finally got to Smiciklas in the 79th minute when King struck again. A penetrating through ball forced the visiting goalie into a clearing kick, taking her off her goal line. King took full advantage and sent a high shot over the scrambling keeper, extending the lead to 2-0.

As time wound down, Bowen received a beautiful through ball from King down the left flank and with only the goalkeeper to beat, Bowen sent a rocket of a shot into the back of the net, giving the Blues a 3-0 victory.

The Varsity Blues extend their undefeated streak to 10 games, sitting with a record of 8-0-2 thus far in the 2009 campaign. You can catch the Blues again at Varsity Centre on Friday, October 16, when they host the Laurentian Lady Vees. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.