Box Score The Varsity Blues women’s soccer team opened their 2011-12 season Saturday afternoon (Sept. 3) with a 1-0 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Varsity Centre.

With the loss, the Blues begin their season 0-1 after a game that featured strong defensive efforts from both sides.

Despite the loss, Toronto goalkeeper Sara Petrucci from Bolton, Ont., played a strong game, making several key saves as the Gee-Gees directed four shots at the Toronto goal.

Ottawa’s midfielder Julia Francki was the only shooter to beat Petrucci on the day. Francki’s tally came at 14:04 of the first half, giving Ottawa their first win of the season.

Mississauga, Ont., native Laura Machado registered the Blues lone shot at Ottawa goalkeeper Cynthia Leblanc, as Toronto pushed hard for the tying goal at the end of the second half.

The Gee-Gees controlled play for most of the first, but Toronto came out aggressively in the second, falling just short of tying the game when the final whistle blew.

The Blues return to the field on Sunday, September 4, as they play host to the Carleton Ravens at Varsity Centre. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m.

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