Stingers 2, Vert et Or 2: The Stingers surrender a late lead against Sherbrooke
The Stingers’ strong attacking performance was not enough to secure a win as Sherbrooke scored a late equalizer
The Concordia University Stingers women’s soccer team controlled much of the attack early in the Sept. 18 game, creating several opportunities as they sent numbers forward. However, the Stingers struggled to finish their chances and were repeatedly caught offside.
Sherbrooke University opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after forward Emy Desharnais beat Concordia defender Anna Maria Di Primio and squeezed the ball between the goalkeeper Naiïla Louissaint and the post.
The Stingers continued to create opportunities before halftime, but could not find the back of the net. A shot in the 32nd minute looked promising, but it sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Concordia trailing 1-0 at halftime.
The Stingers came out of the break with more pressure and quickly found their equalizer. Midfielder Juliana Faustini scored around the 50th minute mark to bring the game level.
In the 89th minute, after coming off the bench, Stingers forward Maya Yigit found the back of the net to give the Stingers a late 2-1 lead.
Despite the comeback, the Stingers could not hold onto their advantage. Sherbrooke scored from a corner kick in extra time to tie the game at 2-2.
Stingers Head coach Wilfried Monthe said the team’s response after halftime was one of the biggest positives he took from the game.
“I think it’s the mindset,” Monthe said. “We were losing 1-0 at halftime, and we made some adjustments for the second half. The girls came in, they applied the game plan, and we were able to score two goals.”
The Stingers had several chances to extend their lead but could not put the game away. Monthe said the missed opportunities eventually came back to hurt the team.
“I think we could have closed the game way earlier,” Monthe said. “The fact that it didn’t close, we end up paying the price.”
For Di Primio, who had a strong performance on the field, the result was frustrating after the work the team put into the game.
“I think as a team, we also played very well,” Di Primio said. “Just those final touches to get into the net was just all we were missing.”
The Stingers were also caught offside numerous times throughout the game, stopping several promising attacking plays.
Stingers forward Rachel Vermaire said the team needs to improve its timing while continuing to create those opportunities.
“It’s good that we’re creating those opportunities down the line and breaking those lines, but we just need to be more conscious of timing it right,” Vermaire said.
Monthe also addressed the team’s frustration with the officiating late in the game, saying he felt several calls were doubtful. However, he said the Stingers needed to put themselves in a position where those decisions could not affect the result.
“We have to deal with it,” Monthe said. “That’s why the girls have to close the game earlier, to not give the chance to the ref to decide how the score is going to go for us.”
Despite giving up the lead late in the game, Monthe said the team can take confidence from its ability to create chances heading into its next game.
“I think mentally they know that they can create chances,” Monthe said. “Now we’re just going to find a way to put it in.”
Concordia suffered defeat against Université de Montréal in its next match on Sunday, Sept. 20, losing 3-0 to the Carabins. Next, the Stingers face the McGill University Martlets on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
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