The Carleton Ravens women’s soccer team suffered two back-to-back losses on their trip to Toronto, falling to both the Ryerson University Rams (1-0) and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues (2-1). 

In their first match on Oct. 12, the Ravens kept the Rams quiet at Downsview Park, but conceded a late goal to lose 1-0. 

The hosts, who sit fifth in the Ontario University Athletics division (OUA), came out strong, outshooting Carleton 9-2 in the first half, forcing two saves from Ravens goalkeeper Sara Wicks. 

Sarah Wicks (pictured) is back from injury and in at starting goaltender. [Photo by Jeff Pelletier]
Forward Daniella Cerque and midfielder Selena Moussa were the two players to have an attempt against the Rams, but couldn’t find enough power to put their attempts through to the back of the net. 

Without much offence, the game was a struggle, but the backline picked by head coach Dom Oliveri did enough work in the first half to keep themselves in the match. 

Heading into halftime, neither teams could find a breakthrough goal and the score remained 0-0. 

Coming back into the second half, Carleton still struggled to find their offensive power and were again out shot by the Rams 3-0. Wicks was forced to make another two saves.

With only 10 minutes left in the match, the Ravens just needed to keep trying their best to defend against a persistent Ryerson side but unfortunately, they could not hold on for a draw. 

In the 79th minute, Ryerson defender BreAnah Webster set up an opportunity for teammate Kaleigh McKye who was able to get the ball past Wicks breaking the deadlock. 

It was that goal that made the difference and the Ravens were handed their first loss of the weekend. 

For the next match on Oct. 13 the team came in with a bit more determination and held the lead against the U of T Varsity Blues for 80 minutes before letting it slip, losing 2-1 in the end.

Just like the game before, Carleton was playing against a persistent and determined defence, and had to work to move the ball forward when they had possession. 

While some heavy touches from players limited the fluidity of the game, the Ravens managed to press against their opponents and get the ball moving up the field. 

Toronto on the other hand managed to constantly move forward against Carleton’s defence outshooting them 6-1, but could not find a way to make the most of their opportunities. 

Heading into the second half, both teams stood at 0-0. 

Going into the second, the Ravens continued with their persistence and had three shots on goal, one of which broke the deadlock. 

Forward Chloe Doherty was the player to give the visitors the lead in the 47th minute, extending her individual tally to three. Her efforts earned her the title of female athlete of the week for Carleton. 

Going down 0-1 led to the Varsity Blues stepping up their game and becoming more physical in their efforts.

Eventually, the hosts pushed their way back into the game when Valentina Greco set up teammate Erin Kelly to tie the game at 1-1 in the 80th minute.

Unfortunately, the Rams were not done yet and bullied the Ravens into giving up a set piece only five minutes later. 

It’s tough times for the Carleton Ravens women’s soccer. [Photo by Tim Austen]
Having made six fouls in the second half, a tired Carleton side attempted to get the ball out of the area which fell for Kelly, who then returned the favour and set up Greco to make it 2-1 for the hosts. 

Having given up their lead with only 10 minutes left in the game, the Ravens immediately tried to respond but failed to make the most of their opportunity to tie the game and settled for the loss. 

The team returns to MNP this weekend for a rematch against the Rams on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. and the Varsity Blues on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.

Feature image from file.

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