University of Toronto Athletics

The No. 6 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw versus the No. 8 ranked Nipissing Lakers on Sunday (Oct. 4) afternoon in North Bay.

Both top contenders in the OUA this season, Toronto and Nipissing hold identical 6-2-1 (W-L-T) records following the tie, placing them in a stalemate for second overall int he OUA East division. 

In the Sunday afternoon showdown, the home side Lakers were first on the board scoring just past the 20 minute mark of the opening half. However, the Blues were quick to respond drawing a penalty kick opportunity less than five minutes later. Third-year midfielder Emilija Lucic stepped to the spot and delivered the tying goal into the bottom left corner.

As action shifted to the second half, Toronto were able to once again utilize their offensive pressure to put Nipissing into a bad spot and draw a penalty kick. Lucic took advantage with a hard shot right down the middle to hand the Blues a 2-1 lead with approximately 20 minutes remaining. With that much time, the Lakers were relentless in their pursuit of an equalizer. Nipissing would register 14 total shots, including 10 shots on goal throughout the 90 minute contest. Despite a strong effort in goal from fourth-year goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash, making eight total saves, Nipissing found the equalizer courtesy an awkward rebound.

Following the late tying goal, both sides continuously stalemated the other with the majority of the final 10 minutes played in the middle of the pitch.

With three matches remaining in the regular season, the Blues will be looking to make a playoff push for a top seed ahead of the OUA postseason. U of T will have the benefit of home field advantage next welcoming the Laurentian Voyageurs to Varsity Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9. They then host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks the following day. Kick-off for both matches is set for 12 p.m. Tickets are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, with U of T students receiving free entry with a valid T-card. All Varsity Blues home matches are also streamed live and on demand via oua.tv.