LONDON, Ont. - Only eight days from kick off of the 2019 OUA season, the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 preseason contest against the Western Mustangs in London on Friday afternoon.

Facing off against last season's OUA silver medalist, the Ridgebacks were in tough throughout the 90 minute duration of the exhibition contest. With the second largest recruiting class in program history joining the team this offseason, Ontario Tech will be relying on these early tune-up matches to bring the competitive squad together.

A highlight of this young core joining the team was freshman defence Christina Coroado (Bolton, Ont.). Joining the Ridgebacks via Glenshields FC and St. Michael's Secondary School, the incoming life sciences major has proven to be effective on the Ridgebacks back line, providing depth to a defensive unit that allowed less than a goal a game last season.

"I was hoping for a better result today, but it is always valuable to see our team on the pitch in this kind of competitive environment," said Ridgebacks head coach Peyvand Mossavat. "With how quick our season comes at us every August these friendlies are an important part of our preparations and we will use the experience from today to prepare for our first regular season match next week."

The Ridgebacks will next challenge the York Lions this Sunday, Aug. 25 in Toronto to round out their preseason schedule.

Ontario Tech opens their 2019 OUA campaign at home, welcoming the defending champion Ottawa Gee-Gees to Vaso's Field next Saturday, Aug. 31. Kick off for the season opener is scheduled for 12 p.m.
 

RIDGEBACKS AT A GLANCE

Overall Record: 0-1-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
 
Season Opener: Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees (12 p.m. – Vaso's Field)

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