The Carleton Ravens women’s soccer team signalled their intent for the 2023 season, edging out the University of Toronto Varsity Blues with a 1-0 victory on a scorching afternoon at TAAG Park on Sept. 3.
The heat proved to be a big test of the team’s athleticism, according to Ravens head coach Dom Oliveri.
“It’s not supposed to be this hot,” Oliveri said. “It’s 31 plus five or six degrees on the turf, and I think what we saw was our fitness allowing us to continue playing the way we wanted to play over the entirety of the game.”
Despite the sweltering conditions, the Ravens’ attack was relentless from the opening whistle. They challenged Toronto’s defence repeatedly, creating a slew of chances. However, Toronto goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash was a wall in front of the net, making four crucial saves in the first half alone.
But the Ravens’ persistence paid off. Forward Chloé Doiron broke the deadlock early in the second half with a stunning shot from outside the box that left the crowd and her teammates in awe.
Doiron shared her jubilation after netting the first goal of the season and the eventual game-winner in front of friends and family.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially in the home opener,” Doiron said. “[The heat was] definitely a big factor but everybody’s in the same boat so you just have to push that much harder and take the rest when it’s given to you.”
There was drama on the sidelines, too. Oliveri was at odds with the match official over a critical late-game call, resulting in a yellow card. Despite this, Oliveri said the officiating was good overall.
“I think there’s a couple [calls] there that change the game,” Oliveri said. “You go up 2-0 instead of having to defend in the last minute, but we’re all human.”
Oliveri also elaborated on the team’s preparations leading up to the season opener.
“The team has worked hard in the preseason,” he added. “They do not want to lose. And today that hard work showed.”
The victory sets the Ravens on a positive trajectory as they prepare to face the Queen’s University Gaels at Richardson Stadium in Kingston this Friday at 4 p.m.
“To start off at home with a win against a quality team like UofT, we’ll take it all day long,” Oliveri said.
If this first win was any indication, fans are in for an exhilarating season of Ravens soccer, which should see them match or surpass last season’s expectations.
Featured image by Marc Lafleur.
