NORTH YORK, Ont. – In their final tune up before Saturday's season opener, the Ontario Tech University women's soccer team came from behind to draw the York Lions 1-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The opening marker came midway through the opening half on an error in the attacking third of the pitch, which saw the Lions capitalize on their counter attack. They led 1-0 at half.
It wasn't until late in the match that the Ridgebacks were able to draw even as multiple corner kicks resulted in them finally breaking through the York goalkeeper. On the near post,
Lauren Rea (Burnaby, B.C.) challenged the for the ball, deflecting it off a York defender and into the goal.
An opportunity to win the match came in the 85th minute, also off a corner kick, as Ontario Tech found
Michele Dell'Aquila (Vaughan, Ont.) alone on the back post. She headed the ball home, but as the Ridgebacks celebrated, their jubulation was cut short by an offside call.
On the backline
Christina Coroado (Bolton, Ont.) dominated the back four line for the second straight match in her rookie campaign. The coaching staff were also impressed with freshman
Jordan Tortolo (Mount Albert, Ont.) who played her first 90-minute match since returning from injury.
In goal
Alicia Chisholm (Woodbridge, Ont.) played the opening half of the match, while
Olivia Tierney (King City, Ont.) played the final 45 minutes.
"I think the reality of it is that it's a new cycle with 14 new rookies and we have existing injuries already," said head coach
Peyvand Mossavat. "I believe we'll be competitive this season, but it will take some time for the group to adjust to the competitive level of university. There have been a few rookies that stepped in right away and will make an impact, but I'm really looking forward to building this group over the next few years."
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, which is also the OUA's marquee matchup of the week, is scheduled for 12 p.m.
Overall Record: 0-1-1 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
Next Match: Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees (12 p.m. – Vaso's Field)
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