The UTM women’s varsity soccer team played their fourth game of the season this past Saturday, September 22 against the Conestoga Condors. After losing their previous three games, UTM was ready to mark this their first win of the season.
UTM remained composed for the majority of the first half, except for approximately ten minutes towards the start of the game where Conestoga was pressing the UTM defense. However, the women collected themselves and began playing as a unit once again. UTM created many scoring opportunities, with each one better than the previous. Finally, a Conestoga foul outside of the 18-yard box allowed for a UTM free kick where defender, Breana Silva, made a perfect cross into the Conestoga penalty area. Rookie striker, Bobbie Alvernaz, sealed the deal with a header into the bottom right corner. This marked the women’s first goal of the season.
Shortly after this goal, the same foul was made outside of the 18-yard box where Silva once again stepped up to take the kick. Another impeccable cross led to an own-goal by a Conestoga player, ending the half 2-0.
At halftime, the UTM coaches decided to change the formation as a way of having numbers up on the attack while also making sure there was enough support at the back. The second half was a slower game but the UTM defense remained calm and organized as Conestoga began to press more. UTM was still given a few chances but couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. The game ended 2-0.
UTM captain, Azza Adhoum, praises her team as she says, “We fought extremely well as a unit. I’m proud that we were able to quickly recognize our weak spots and adjust in order to dominate the rest of the game.” She continues, “We played to our strengths of quick 1-2 passes, overtop balls, and finishing free kicks. That’s what got us our 2-0 victory over Conestoga.”
This is UTM’s first win of the season, marking it their second win overall since being introduced into the OCAA. The team is excited and ready for the remainder of the season and hoping to advance to the OCAA provincials.
Please note that this article was written by a member of the UTM women’s varsity soccer team.
