The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team wrapped up their three-game home stand, falling 1-0 to the visiting Nipissing Lakers on Sunday (Sept. 6) afternoon at Varsity Stadium.
The Lakers generated an early chance when Hannah Neville received a through-ball and fired a shot in tight. Making the save was fourth-year Blues goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash, making a stop with her backfoot to keep the game scoreless. With the Lakers pressing early, a near chance from first-year forward Mikaela Milczarek nearly gave U of T the edge.
In the 23
rd minute, the Lakers scored the opening goal with Annika Notle finding the back of the net as the visiting team generated pressure in the box. Toronto began to get their legs underneath them looking to score an equalizer before halftime. Third-year forward Beatrice Audain helped lead the charge as the Blue and White sent crosses into the box, but the Blues couldn't get a ball past Lakers goalkeeper Brooke McMurren before the end of the first 45 minutes of play.
Coming out flying in the second half, the Blues nearly found the equalizer but McMurren turned aside a diving header by third-year forward Kimee Liu. Keeping the intensity up U of T continued to generate scoring chances as they looked for an equalizer. Offensively, they took six corners in the second half and drew six fouls. Luck wasn't on Toronto's side, however before the final whistle sounded.
Godoy-Atrash continued her strong season in goal finishing the match with three saves.
Looking to bounce back, the Blues will hit the road for the first time this season for a match against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Saturday (Sept. 12) afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., and the game will be live streamed on
oua.tv.
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