OSHAWA, Ont. – With the past five OUA east division titles going to the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks (2) and Ottawa Gee-Gees (3), the first soccer OUA Marquee Matchup of the season was slated to be one that didn't disappoint.
The two squads' performance lived up to the pre-match hype, but in the end it was an 83
rd minute PK goal by Thea Nour that was the difference in the 1-0 victory for the Gee-Gees.
The host Ridgebacks were on their heels in the first half, being outshot 4-2, but made positive adjustments at the half to outshoot Ottawa 6-4 in the second.
With numerous rookies on the pitch against the defending champions, head coach
Peyvand Mossavat knew it would be a challenge, but felt his team had a positive start to conference play.
"I'm happy with the girls performance as it could've gone either way," said Mossavat. "They're (Ottawa) a great team and have always been. I think we had a little bit of nervousness for five or six kids playing for the first time in the OUA – we did well considering. I'm proud of them, but now it's time to bounce back and go from there."
In goal, rookie
Alicia Chisholm (Woodbridge, Ont.) made eight saves in the loss for the Ridgebacks, while Margot Shore earned the clean sheet victory for the Gee-Gees.
Tomorrow the Ridgebacks wrap up their first weekend at home as they host the Carleton Ravens at 12 p.m. Ontario Tech has an all-time 6-1-3 record against the Ravens and will hope to continue that success at bounce back from the opening day loss.
Overall Record: 0-2-1 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-1-0
Next Match: Sunday, Sept. 1 vs. Carleton Ravens (12 p.m. – Vaso's Field)
