Women’s Soccer
Consolation Semifinal 2: Manitoba defeats Guelph 5-1
Tamara Brown scored the only goal as the Cape Breton Capers defeated the Western Mustangs 1-0 in the semifinals of the U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship Saturday afternoon at the Subway Soccer South Complex in Winnipeg, Man.
“We started well,” said Cape Breton head coach Ness Timmons. “Our midfield had great composure, great on the ball. Our back line showed today that they can defend well. Finishing it off, we like to get the ball in to the two girls up front.”
In the 41st minute, Brown sprinted down the center of the field and received a through ball before chipping it past Mustang keeper Megan Girardi for a 1-0 lead at the half.
“It was a last-minute decision. My original thought was to place it on the side, but I decided to chip it last minute. I was praying that it would go in,” said Brown. “I was icing some injuries from last game, but I try to put in my all. I just wanted to leave everything on the field.”
Brown had another opportunity to score in the 70th minute when she worked a through ball past two Mustang defenders and got an open shot on net but Girardi made the save to hold the lead at 1-0.
Both teams played a strong second half, but ultimately it wasn’t enough for the Mustangs.
“I think a little bit of our inexperience showed, but I thought we fought back well in the second half and created some pressure,” said Western head coach Martin Painter. “Playing for a national bronze medal is a great opportunity…we’ll bounce back. When we come back tomorrow we’re going to be playing another very good team.”
Cape Breton will move on to play for gold Sunday at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, while Western will play for bronze at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT.
Players of the Game:
- Cape Breton: Tamara Brown
- Western: Sabrina DeNard