Women’s Soccer: Stingers Outmuscled by Carabins

Concordia Stingers Women’s Soccer team Fall 2-0 to the Montreal Carabins in Home-Opener

SportsAlexander Perez — Published September 11, 2016

A physically superior Montreal Carabins team took all three points with a 2-0 victory at Concordia Stadium on Friday night.

Physicality—or a lack of by the Stingers—became the game’s theme. Despite a stronger defensive display in the second half, Concordia was unable to conjure a formidable offensive threat.

“You know, they played exactly like I expected,” said head coach Jorge Sanchez. “They don’t worry about form, they don’t worry about style, they play very direct.”

“They use their speed and their size to just wear you down physically.”

The Stingers conceded two goals in the first half. Both of them were scored off corner kicks. The first goal happened courtesy of Carabins defender, Catherine Rochon.

“The way I thought they’d get a goal, they didn’t,” said Sanchez. “They got goals on set pieces.”

“We did well. What’s disappointing is that both goals were on set pieces and not in the play,” said Stingers captain Alyssa Ruscio. “We for sure have to work on being first on the ball.”

Montreal defender Maude Leblanc put her team ahead by two in the second half. She caught a loose ball on the volley outside the 18 yard box and smashed it in the lower left side corner of the goal.

“It’s a ball that should’ve been cleared,” said Sanchez. “[Leblanc] stepped in, half volley out of the air and puts it in the nets.”

With a draw against the McGill Martlets last week, a result in the Stingers’ home opener would’ve been something positive heading into next game. The Stingers have dropped five points out of a possible six in their opening two games, meaning the next game is a must win for Sanchez and his team.

Despite the loss, the team feels there is room for optimism, and they remain adamant about their chances this season.

“I think we could’ve done better,” admitted Sanchez. “It’s a learning process, we have a few new players, we have a new style.”

The Stingers will host Université du Québec à Trois Rivières next Friday, Sept. 16 at Concordia Stadium, still looking for their first win of the season.