TORONTO, Ont. – A relatively even match had only one shot make a difference as the Ryerson Rams defeated the UOIT women's soccer team 1-0 to open OUA conference play on Saturday afternoon.
 
In the opening half Ryerson had six shots on goal, to UOIT's four, but Alex Rodkin's goal in the 29^th minute was the difference for the Rams.
 
The Ridgebacks made a second half push, out-chancing the Rams 10-7 and earning themselves four corner kicks as they maintained pressure for the final 45 minutes. Unfortunately, the pressure didn't make a difference as Ryerson's keeper Elisa Lapadula earned the clean sheet.
 
Second-year goalkeeper Olivia Tierney (King City, Ont.) made her first start in goal for the Ridgebacks, registering seven saves.
 
In recent seasons UOIT has had Ryerson's number, but on Saturday the Rams broke their six-game losing streak against the Ridgebacks, which dated back to Nov. 3, 2015.
 
UOIT will look to rebound from their opening day loss on Sunday when they head back to Toronto to take on the Varsity Blues. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 

RIDGEBACKS AT A GLANCE

Overall Record: 1-2-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-1-0
 
Next match: Sunday, Aug. 26 @ Toronto Varsity Blues (1 p.m. – Toronto, Ont.)