UOIT downs McMaster in PK's – Ridgebacks off to the quarterfinals

OUA Women's Soccer Playoffs – First Round
UOIT defeated McMaster – 2-0 in penalty kicks
Shootout Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtQUicE4BZM&feature=share&list=UUY56N0nvznvEMY5eYGRqZkA


OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's soccer team earned a dramatic victory in the opening round of the OUA playoffs as they defeated McMaster 2-0 in penalty kicks on Wednesday at the Oshawa Civic.

With the win, the Ridgebacks advance to the OUA quarterfinals on Sunday, October 27 where they will take on the Laurier Golden Hawks. Game time in Waterloo is at 1 p.m.

"I was very proud of the girls and all they have accomplished in such a short time together," said head coach Peyvand Mossavat. "This was a historical win for UOIT and the women's soccer team. Winning a playoff game is always difficult and McMaster played extremely well, which made it even more challenging. Our young team stayed on task and were focused for 120 minutes. That's special and a sign of a team and program on the rise."

UOIT freshman goalkeeper Melissa MacKinnon (Millgrove, Ont.) had an outstanding game, especially in penalty kicks as McMaster did not convert on all four of their attempts. Emily Copeland-Dinan (Ottawa, Ont.) and Sonia Sampogna (Toronto, Ont.) each converted for UOIT, giving the Ridgebacks their first playoff victory.

With the Ridgebacks leading 1-0 in the fourth round of the shootout, Sampogna put the pressure on McMaster as she calmly converted her attempt in the bottom right hand corner. On McMaster's final attempt, midfielder Kelly Orlando sailed the ball over the net, setting off a UOIT celebration.

Prior to the shootout, the teams played 120 minutes of scoreless soccer with UOIT doubling up McMaster in shots on target with a 10-5 advantage.

UOIT's best attempt came late in the game when Jessica Mithrush (Thunder Bay, Ont.) attempted a shot from just outside the box. The ball rang off the crossbar, with McMaster being able to clear it from trouble.

MacKinnon stopped all five shots on target and did not allow in a single penalty kick, as she earned the win in goal for the Ridgebacks. Senior goalkeeper Brittany Duffey was also impressive for McMaster stopping all 10 UOIT shots on target.

This marks the women's soccer program's first OUA playoff victory, with the Ridgebacks entering the league in 2012. Last year, McMaster defeated UOIT 2-1 in the opening round of the playoffs in Hamilton.

UOIT extends their unbeaten streak to seven games, which includes three wins over McMaster.

Laurier, UOIT's next opponent, finished in second place in the OUA western conference during the regular season with a 9-3-4 record. The teams split their regular season series, with each squad picking up a 2-1 victory on the road.

SHOOTOUT RESULTS

UOIT
Sierra Bulger – X
Emily Copeland-Dinan – Goal
Jessica Mithrush – X
Sonia Sampogna – Goal

McMaster
Anne Yeboah - X
Marisa Brem - X
Natalie Bukovec - X
Kelsey Orlando – X

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 10-6-6
Conference Record: 7-5-4

Next Game: Sun. Oct. 27 @ Laurier (1 p.m.) – Waterloo, Ont.

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