The No. 9 nationally ranked Queen's Gaels solidified their place as one of the OUA's elite teams, taking a 3-0 win over the York University Lions women's soccer team Friday evening at York Lions Stadium.
Despite the team's best effort, York was unable to battle its way back into the game after trailing behind in the first half, losing 3-0 to the Gaels. The Lions will now have to head into Queen's on Sunday with a win as their primary goal in order to solidify their place in a OUA wild card position.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Prior to the team's final regular-season home game against the Golden Gaels, five graduating Lions were honoured with a gift presentation.
- The players honoured included midfielders Jotam Chouhan, Vanessa Salvaggio and Vanessa Santoriello, defender Kennedy Sherwood, and forward Sophia Ferrazo.
- Queen's opened the scoring with a familiar face, as Christie Gray found the back of the net in the 16th minute to give the Gaels a 1-0 lead, and the score would remain that way until halftime.
- After Queen's took control of the possession battle in the second game, Jenna Matsukubo created a breakaway with her impressive speed, and added her sixth goal of the season.
- Queen's didn't take long to extend their lead, as Cecilia Way found the net within four minutes of the second goal.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- The Gaels showed why they are first in all of U SPORTS in shots, directing 17 of them towards the Lions net as opposed to York's seven shots.
- Lions keeper Patricia Vrysellas was busy throughout the night, making eight saves on 11 shots faced.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Lions now have a 5-3-1 record and will make one last push to improve their record and put themselves in the best possible position heading into the playoffs. Lions will aim to do that against the Queen's Gaels again on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 pm as they travel to Kingston, Ont.
