Eagles go winless in fourth matchweek
For the first time this season, neither team was able to secure a win at home.
Both the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams dropped points against UTSG Blue this weekend in what is to be the last home game of the season.
Winning train comes to a halt
The Men’s team were on a hot run of form, having grabbed nine points from nine available and topping the standings as they prepared to take on UTSG Blue for the first time this season.
Blue came out strong with a well-organized game plan, and a general lack of focus and energy created a palpable feeling of uncertainty around the Eagles players. Nevertheless, they were able to grab an early lead, as Paul Doherty buried an early goal, scoring for the first time this season.
The Eagles failed to capitalize on a series of chances in the first half, but wasted chances opened the door for Blue to grow into the game and became ever more threatening.
The physical and scrappy feel of the game was unfamiliar from the Eagles’ usual possession playstyle. To begin the second half, Coach Szabi and Coach Iyambo decided to substitute in two UTM debutants, Siam and Aniel, hoping fresh legs would bring some much-needed energy into the game.
As chances piled up on both sides, it felt as though the game surely had one more goal in it. The question was: Which team was going to score?
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the answer was UTSG Blue, who capitalized with five minutes left after picking up a ball in the midfield and breaking on the counter, catching the Eagles’ midfield out of position.
Despite the complaints regarding a potential foul when the ball was won to start the attack, the goal decision was given, and the game went on to finish 1-1, as the Men’s failed to win for the first time this season.
A few weeks ago, Coach Iyamabo mentioned in an interview that the team needed to improve their game management. Conceding a late goal and dropping two points inevitably left a sour feeling within the UTM dressing room. Coach Iyamabo even referred to the game as a “frustrating performance,” but still claimed he had “full confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back strong against Scarborough next game.”
Women fall short once again
The Women’s team started the game on the front foot, looking for redemption after last week’s loss. They had several chances to break the deadlock early on, as Jordan Pawlowski and Jenna Schroder both attempted shots from a distance but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Eagles conceded after the first 15 minutes, with Blue going on to score twice more before the half ended, securing a healthy lead. UTM wasn’t able to respond effectively to Blue’s attacks, and couldn’t replicate the chances they had in the opening minutes.
The Eagles’ character stood out in the second half, as they held Blue down and defended valiantly in an effort to try and turn the game around. Led by defender Sierra Vaillancourt, UTM pushed forward in search of a goal.
Unfortunately for the women, their efforts were equally matched, and Blue was able to come away with a clean sheet and three points after securing a 4-0 scoreline with a later goal in the second half.
“The girls have the heart, they just need that last little push to achieve success,” said former goalkeeper and newly appointed coach, Mackenzie Kieswetter, after the match. The upcoming break will give the Eagles time to reset and work on their chemistry, while also giving time for key players to recover from injuries that have sidelined them for the past few weeks.
The Women will travel to UTSC looking to come away with points that they have been missing since the second matchday. The 8-2 win at home in the reverse fixture will give the girls lots of confidence going into the game, and hopefully they can turn it into a positive result.
It was a matchday that ended in embitterment. However, both teams are aiming to take this two week break to regroup and train hard in preparation for the penultimate game of the season— an important step in both teams’ journey.
The Men will try to secure a top seed spot should they be able to come away with three points, while the Women look to gather some points and momentum ahead of the playoffs.
Check-in in a couple weeks to find out how the Eagles do on the road!
