OSHAWA, Ont. - The UOIT Ridgebacks women's soccer team fell 2-0 to the visiting Western Mustangs on Friday afternoon (Aug. 17) at the Oshawa Civic.

Battling the late summer heat, the Ridgebacks were in tough versus the possession dominant Mustangs. The UOIT midfield, led by strong play from third-year player Sarah Norman, were kept busy as they looked to feed veteran striker Taijah Henderson in the early minutes of the game.

In the first half, Henderson was able to generate three shots, including one on goal which challenged Western keeper Megan Girardi. However, neither team were able to find the back of the net resulting in a 0-0 halftime scoreline.

In the second, Western were able to break through the Ridgebacks midfield, but had to then solve UOIT's back line headed by fourth-year defence Mikaela Tierney. It wasn't until the 55th minute when the deadlocked was finally broken as Mustangs striker Julia Crnjac banged in a loose ball following a corner. Action continued to dominate the middle of the pitch until the 80th minute when Western were able to add an insurance marker on a strong counter from Nikki Balachorek.

UOIT will have an opportunity to bounce right back into form as they welcome the Windsor Lancers to Oshawa Civic this Sunday for their second preseason contest. Action is scheduled to begin a 1 p.m. The Ridgebacks regular season will begin on the road the following weekend as they open the OUA season versus the Ryerson Rams on Saturday, Aug. 25.

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