Coming off three straight losses the Concordia Stingers women’s soccer team looked to gain a big advantage in the race to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Stingers were up against UQTR Patriots, whom they previously beat 2-1 at UQTR.
The weather was not great; it was cold, damp, windy and sporadically raining throughout the course of the game
The Stingers looked confident prior to the beginning of the game, and it transferred to the game. The Stingers were fast out of the gates and relentless with their pressure in the early moments of the game. The first big chance from the Stingers came in just the second minute. Off a corner kick, a Stinger’s header grazed by the near post. A few minutes later the Stingers attacker, Julie Pawlusiak, made a great run into the box and her shot riffled off the near post, another close call. Pawlusiak looked dangerous throughout the first half, giving Patriot defenders fits, but couldn’t capitalize on numerous chances. Concordia had another great chance off a free kick from about 30 yards out Stingers defender Erica Geertsen whistled a shot, which induced another quality save from the Patriots Goalkeeper. Concordia kept up the pressure for the most part of the half, but it ended 0-0. Concordia out shot UQTR 35-4 during the game.
The Stingers started the second half much like they started the first half. They came out testing the Patriots defense, attacking with depth and were rewarded with a corner just three minutes in. Captain Melanie Poirier took the corner from the near side of the field and it was deflect in by a Patriot defender, Poirier was credited with her fourth goal of the season. But the Stingers were not satisfied with that goal and continued to push the ball, throughout the second half. At the 60 minute mark of the second half, another cross by Poirier, was partially handled by the Patriots goalie, and she let out a juicy rebound, which was put in by a Stinger., but then called offside, and no goal. The Stingers dominated the remainder of the game, and easily won with a final score 1-0. Goalie Melissa Morgan got her third shutout of the year.
“I was pleased with the effort” coach Jorge Sanchez stated after the game, he gave credit to his defense which didn’t allow a shot at goal, they seemed to block everything thrown at them, “It was one of the better games we’ve played this year.”
Also, the Stingers played no.1 ranked Montreal Carabins on Friday night and lost a heartbreaking game 1-0, “We were all over them in the last 25 minutes” said Sanchez. “We need some timely scoring” he said about what his team needs to improve on before the playoffs begin.
Up next the Stingers will travel to Laval, to play on Friday, October 28, at 6pm. They currently sit in fourth with 21 points, and two games left in the season.
