CIS women's soccer Wednesday roundup: Gee-Gees defeat cross town rivals Carleton

Source: Ottawa Sports Info / Photo credit Richard Whittaker

OTTAWA - The uOttawa women’s soccer team took to Matt Anthony Field on Wednesday night against the Carleton Ravens. The Gee-Gees were looking for both a strong start at home and a rebound from their first loss on the campaign. In the end, the Gee-Gees were successful on both counts as they beat the Ravens 2-0.
 
The Gee-Gees came out of the gate strong on Wednesday, controlling the play and tempo of the game from the very early going. The home team was careful not to lose their tempo after falling victim to many close offside calls, and at the 26 minute mark second year striker Elisabeth Wong, Nepean, Ont., finally snapped the Gee-Gees three game goalless drought with a great individual effort, putting the Gee-Gees up 1-0.
 
However, the Ravens’ defensive organization was an issue for the Gee-Gees in the early going causing numerous frustrating offside calls for the Gee-Gees. “They [Carleton] played a very high line and they were organized and efficient,” explain assistant coach Stu Barbour, “but we just have to learn from that and be a little sharper with the timing of our runs.”
 
The second half saw much of the same, with the Gee-Gees controlling the play with their solid passing, support and movement in every area of the pitch. In the end, the Raven’s defence were simply no match for the Gee-Gees pace, and after numerous clutch saves from Ravens goaltender Rachel Bedek, uOttawa striker Sarah De Carufel, Boisbriand, Que., buried the second goal of the game at the 65 minute mark. 
 
The offensive output and control by the Gee-Gees was the difference in the game, as was recognized by Coach Barbour. “We emphasized finishing in practice all week,” explained Barbour, “and it definitely showed tonight. We told the players at half not to get frustrated, and we made some adjustments and they did it.”
 
The Gee-Gees victory on Wednesday improved their all-time record to 27-0-8 against their cross town rival, spanning an 18-year period.
 
The Gee-Gees will now shift their focus to a weekend road trip where they will face Nipissing (0-3-2) on Saturday, September 17, and Laurentian (3-1-1) on Sunday, September 18.