The Carleton Ravens women’s soccer team earned one point Sept. 15-16, losing 3-0 to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and then tying the Queen’s University Golden Gaels 0-0 in Kingston the following day.
The Raven’s record fell to 2-2-2 on the season following the loss and the draw.
The Ravens fought hard against the Gee-Gees, but it was the excellence on Gee-Gees’ free kicks that sealed the deal. The Gee-Gees led 1-0 at the break and then added two more goals in the second half.
“At the end of the day, three set pieces was the only difference. In open play, we really didn’t feel that they hurt us that much,” head coach Alex McNutt said after the loss.
The Ravens started off slow in the first half, but began building momentum at the start of the second half.
“We were out of the races in the first half and in the second half we showed a bit more heart and pushed a bit more,” McNutt said.
“Actually, just before they scored we were creating chances, but then another set piece.”
The second goal for Ottawa, off a free kick in the 63rd minute, was the final straw for the Ravens, after their forceful but unsuccessful effort to even up the game.
Even though the Ravens pushed hard in the second half, they were unable to score on Ottawa, who remain perfect with zero goals against so far this season after seven games.
“We created more chances in open play in the second half than they did. We just can’t buy a goal right now. We’re hitting crossbars and side netting. Bottom line is we lose 3-0,” McNutt said.
With the loss, the Carleton Ravens women’s soccer team has still never defeated their city rival in the history the teams have competed against each other in the OUA.
“The question is are we able to really play and do something attacking wise against these top teams. I know we can do it, I’ve seen it,” McNutt said.
The Ravens went right back to work the next day to try and prove that they could against the Queen’s Golden Gaels, the reigning national champions. Unfortunately, the Ravens were again unable to score a goal on their five shots on net after 90 minutes of play, but they were able to grab a point in the scoreless draw.
The Ravens continue their road trip Sept. 19 when they face the Royal Military College Paladins followed by the Trent Excalibur Sept. 22.
