Laurentian Lady Vees earn first point in 0-0 draw against Ryerson Rams

SUDBURY,Ont. - With typical Northern Ontario weather taking over the game, the Lady Vees soccer team would battle the Ryerson Rams to a 0-0 draw at the Laurentian soccer field.

On a cold, windy afternoon at the Laurentian Soccer Field on Saturday, September 4, the Laurentian Lady Vees took on the Ryerson Rams to play out their season opener. The game would end in a draw as both teams battled through tough, weather conditions. Michelle Philp (Toronto) would make her first OUA start coming up with four saves to keep the Rams off the scoreboard. Stefanie Webster (Mississauga) made three saves to keep a clean sheet for the Rams.

With the winds howling downwind for the Lady Vees first half, Dayna Corelli (Sudbury, On.) had an early free kick that just bent over the cross bar. Several minutes later Alana Brady (Cornwall, On.) had a crack from outside of the 18-yard box, but a diving save from Webster kept the ball out. The half would be a battle for possession with neither team being able to dictate the play of the game. Amy-Lynn Pitton (Brampton, On.) had a solid game on the defensive end of the field as she made several decisive tackles to break up attacks by the Rams. In the 33rd minute, Stacey Watson (Sudbury, Ont.) would drive the ball from 35 yards out which would be turned away by Webster.

In the 56th minute, Laurentian would find themselves with a golden opportunity to take the lead as Pitton headed a Leanne Adams (Mississauga, Ont.) in-swinging corner just over the net. Adams would put in a another cross shortly after that would be mishandled by Webster but cleared away from danger. After handling the Lady Vees opening pressue in the first part of the second half, the Rams began to find their form. Hyacinth Bouchard (Toronto) smashed a hard shot from 30-yards out that was directed out for a corner by Philp (Toronto). Ryerson's Andrea Raso (Scarborough, On.) had a crack on net off a free kick, which was also wonderfully saved by Philp as she was beginning to gain confidence in net for Laurentian. After these few chances, neither team was able to create anything resulting in a 0-0 draw.

"The game was back forth today, both teams had their chances," said head coach Rob Gallo. "We should have finished a couple of our chances, but were unable to. Our girls played well today and we saw a lot of positives from the rookies. We used our bench today and it was positive to see the depth that our team has this year."

The Lady Vees will be back in action tomorrow, Sunday, September 5, as they take on the number five ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues at 12 p.m. followed by the Voyageurs at 2:15 p.m. Follow your Voyageurs online at www.luvoyageurs.com.

Source:

Laurentian Sports Info