The #9 nationally ranked Varsity Blues Women’s Soccer team played their last regular-season home game against the #6-ranked University of Ottawa Gee-Gees at Varsity Stadium on September 28. The Blues had previously bested the Gee-Gees in Ottawa 2–0 on September 12, but in this rematch, the Gee-Gees returned the favour by defeating the Blues 0–2.

What happened? 

During the first half, both powerhouse teams kept the score 0–0 by displaying strong defensive play. Blues goalie Maria Godoy-Atrash made several key saves to stave off the Gee-Gees’ offensive, and on the opposite end of the field, Ottawa’s goalie Juliann Lacasse did the same. 

It was during the second half that the Gee-Gees broke through the stalemate. The Gee-Gees were able to consistently keep possession of the ball and relentlessly attack. In the 51st minute, Gee-Gees forward Sabrina Mangiaracina secured the first goal against the Blues. Mangiaracina scored once again in the 55th minute by breaking through the Blues’ defence on the right side. 

Although the Blues were able to generate some scoring chances throughout the match, Gee-Gees goalie Juliann Lacasse remained stalwart and neutralized all scoring attempts. The match concluded with the Blues down 0–2. 

What’s next? 

The Blues are scheduled to play three more away games to conclude the regular season. This weekend, the Blues were hosted by Trent University. Despite the loss to the Gee-Gees, the Blues retain a strong Ontario University Athletics (OUA) standing at second in the OUA East Conference with a match record of 7–2–1 after besting the Trent Excalibur 3–2. The next weekend will see the Blues play against the Laurentian University Voyagers and the #5 nationally ranked Nipissing University Lakers on October 11 and 12, respectively. The OUA playoff bracket will begin shortly after October 15.