Women’s Soccer: Stingers Tie McGill at Home

Concordia Bids Farewell to Departing Stingers in Draw Against Martlets

SportsAlexander Perez — Published October 31, 2016

The Concordia Stingers women’s soccer team once again finished outside of a playoff spot.

They ended their season by sharing a point in a 1-1 draw with their rivals, the McGill Martlets at Concordia Stadium on Sunday.

The Stingers started the first half strongly. Their ability to dictate the play with quick passes in the gaps was great, and it allowed them to keep most of the possession away from the Martlets.

Concordia lacked identity this season. The display the Stingers put on is one that head coach Jorge Sanchez had been longing to see all season.

The first goal of the game came courtesy of Stingers midfielder, Laura Lamontagne. The assist came from Mélisane Lafrenaye, using her speed to sprint down the right side of midfield, she pulled back a low cross into the middle of the box. The pass centered to Lamontagne, who just passed into the bottom left corner.

Lamontagne came close to doubling the lead. But her shot was inches wide of the net.

“I think we did well,” said captain, and departing Stinger, Alyssa Ruscio. “To play like that it’s super positive for people like me who are finishing up and for the people that are starting next year.”

“These are three quality individuals. For me they’re what a student athlete is supposed to be.” -Stingers head coach Jorge Sanchez on graduating players Stephanie Di Lemme, Angela Stroubakis and Alyssa Ruscio.

Everything seemed to be going right for the Stingers. But controversy struck as Stingers defender Bella Corbeil received a red card for speaking out towards the referee—something Sanchez wasn’t happy about after the game. Corbeil’s frustration was due to the fact that the referee allegedly missed two calls on the previous play.

“I think the referee caused it in a way,” said Sanchez. “Yeah [Corbeil] used the language and maybe it was inappropriate but she was walking away from him and wasn’t in his face. I think to one to influence the game that much is harsh.”

With the Stingers down to ten players on the field, the game opened up for McGill.

The Martlets eventually tied the game in the second half with a goal from midfielder, Claudia Agozzino.

Despite being down a player, and losing the lead, it was Stingers goalkeeper Carmen Milne who put on a heroic display. After Agozzino’s goal, Milne injured her right shoulder on the play. With no substitute goalie, Milne saw out the rest of the game.

“[Milne] was just outstanding,” said Sanchez. “She played the last 20 minutes with literally one arm we told her ‘don’t dive, don’t worry about it’—she was throwing herself out there.”

Departing Stingers

For the Stingers, not only was this the last game of the season, but it would also be the last time midfielder Stephanie Di Lemme, Angela Stroubakis and defender Alyssa Ruscio, would dawn the maroon and gold.

“There’s players you develop a chemistry with, there’s players you develop a rapport,” said Sanchez. “These are three quality individuals. For me they’re what a student athlete is supposed to be.”

Coming off yet another disappointing campaign, Sanchez will have a tough task ahead of next season. A large portion of the team were new recruits, and losing three veteran players won’t be easy come time for recruitment.

For long-time Stingers captain Ruscio, to say goodbye will be difficult. “It’s become a lifestyle for me [at Concordia],” she said.

“It’s tough, but at the same time it’s exciting because it’s a new chapter that’s beginning to,” she continued.

Ruscio has endured difficult times with the Stingers. She’ll be saying goodbye, but not before expressing some kind words about her now former head coach.

“[Sanchez is] one of the top [coaches] that I’ve ever had probably, that cares so much about his players,” said Ruscio. “We went through some tough times, but he’s willing to be there for the team was always there.”

In regards to who will be wearing the captain’s armband come next fall, Sanchez admitted that he had a few ideas.

“It’ll get confirmed, probably through the winter,” said Sanchez. “Someone’s going to be wearing the armband and we’ll see how they react, but more importantly we’ll see how the team reacts.”