University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team defeated the visiting Queen's Gaels 3-1 at Varsity Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 5) afternoon.

The Old Four rivals delivered plenty of back-and-forth action with dominant periods of possession being exchanged early. After a strong first 10 minutes for Toronto, the Gaels claimed a timely opening goal courtesy Evelyn McCabe in the 19^th minute.

Right before half, U of T nearly found an equalizer. During another strong period of possession, a long-distance shot from third-year midfielder Emilija Lucic at the 42^nd minute tested Queen's keeper Victoria Hawkins who was able to get a hand on it. The rebound also provided another chance for first-year midfielder Mikaela Milzcarek but Hawkins once again snatched the ball before it could find the net.

Keeping up the offensive pressure at the start of the second half, the Varsity Blues did find an equalizer early. Substituting into the game following the break, third-year forward Victoria Perron was the beneficiary of a friendly bounce as she sent a long shot on net that would deflect off the far post and a Gaels defender before going in for an own goal in the 53^rd minute.

Fourth-year goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash was strong throughout, delivering a highlight save in 65^th minute as she dove to stop a Queen's header to keep the game tied. Godoy-Atrash would finish the afternoon with five total saves.

The game-winner for U of T then came in the 73^rd minute with Perron and Lucic connecting with each other. Perron would send another long cross into the box, but this time it would find the head of Lucic who placed it perfectly into the Gaels net. The goal marked a second for Lucic in as many games to start the new season.

An insurance marker would be added by the Blues in the 86^th minute. Continuing to apply pressure on the Queen's defenders, a loose ball found its way to the foot of third-year forward Ines Delhomelle who delivered a strong strike past the outstretched arms of the Gaels keeper to secure the home win.

Next up, U of T remains at Varsity Stadium for another day welcoming the Nipissing Lakers for a Sunday (Sept. 6) afternoon showdown. Kick-off is set for 12 p.m. with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The home game will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.