The Carleton women’s soccer team welcomed the Trent University Excalibur and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks on Oct. 13-14 at MNP Park.
The Ravens came off a tie against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Oct. 7, and now sit fifth in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East standings after the weekend.
The Trent Excalibur came into the game at the bottom of the OUA East standings with only two regular season wins.
The Ravens were on their toes early as Trent’s pressure allowed them to possess the ball for much of the first half.
An early save by Ravens goaltender Sara Wicks encouraged the Ravens to get back in the game in the eighth minute.
Although Trent led in possession time, Carleton opened the game by a solo effort from forward Melissa Gilligan in the 22nd minute, putting the ball past goalkeeper Mackaylen Bickle to lead 1-0.
A late turnover from defender Youma Konate created a scoring opportunity for Trent which was ultimately turned aside by Wicks in the 34th minute.
When asked about the early Excalibur attack, Konate said that staying organized was key.
“I think by communicating and staying organized, we were kind of able to keep the [offence] in front of us.” she said.
Five minutes into the second half, Trent forward Emma Twohey beat her way into the penalty box and chipped the ball past Wicks to tie the game at one a piece.
The game took an unfortunate turn as Ravens midfielder Sarah Zutrauen collided with Trent midfielder Kyra Barton, as Barton laid motionless on the field for a couple minutes. Barton was well enough to be able to walk off the field on her own.
The tiebreaker came in the 19th minute, as efficient passing allowed Ravens defender and substitute Elodie Sylvain to tuck the ball inside the left goal post.
Ravens substitute Cheyenne Bent’s speed created another successful scoring chance for Sylvain. She knocked the ball past Buckle as the game ended with a final score of 3-1 for the Ravens after full-time.
“To be honest, I didn’t think we played very well today,” head coach Dominic Oliveri said. “We were really off all game, but we fought through it though, at some point, and found a way to win. We’ll take the points.”
Carleton’s next game provided stressful moments and entertainment for fans as they watched the Ravens and the Ridgebacks settle for a 1-1 tie.
In the 19th minute, a goal from midfielder Ghalia Hammada from a corner feed put the Ravens up 1-0.
A close call in the 35th minute for the Ridgebacks as Bent curled the ball from a corner kick into the penalty area.
Following the goal, the Ravens and Ridgebacks traded scoring chances back-and-forth with neither able to capitalize before halftime.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Carleton was pressured by UOIT offence, resulting in a failed clearing attempt by Ravens goalkeeper Sophie Ehlebracht. Carleton cleared the ball, stopping the relentless rummage.
The game took a turn in the 40th minute when UOIT was awarded a penalty kick on a controversial call. The Ridgebacks seized the opportunity and tied the game at one apiece.
At the end of 90 minutes, the game settled into a tie. Both teams moved closer to the postseason with a point.
Ehlebracht, who made her first start of the season against UOIT, said it felt amazing to be back on the field with her teammates.
“I knew I wasn’t in it alone, though I was nervous. But, this is a great team, a great group of girls, and we all have each others back,” she said. “We go into every game wanting to win, knowing we have to take care of business. The mindset never changes.”
The Ravens look to close off the regular season at home with weekend games against the Queen’s University Gaels and the Royal Military College of Canada Paladins.
Photo by Jasmine Foong
