LONDON, Ont. – An early goal from Braeden Gee proved to be the difference as the Western Mustangs defeated the Algoma Thunderbirds 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Mustangs Field.
 
"It was nice to get three points, so that's a positive thing," said Mustangs head coach Rock Basacco. "Certainly finishing is not where it should be and we had many, many, chances and we just didn't put it away. We'll have to focus a bit more on our attacking and just do a better job. That's what it comes down to, it's execution and decision making wasn't our best. We just missed too many opportunities."   
 
The win is Western's third consecutive victory, and gives the Mustangs a 3-1-0 record early in the season, while Algoma falls to 0-3 on the year.
 
Gee's goal was his third in four games, and clearly the first-year striker has had no problems adjusting to CIS competition.
 
"I'm enjoying it. It's a challenge, more physical, but I think I'm starting to get more and more of the hang of it each game and from here it will only get better."
 
The Dorchester, Ont., native's goal came just under five minutes into the contest as he headed a corner kick from Jeremy Arnold into the Algoma net to put the home side up by one.
 
Following the game Basacco was happy with his first-year contingent, including the duo that combined for Western's one goal of the day.
 
"Jeremy Arnold has been playing outstanding for us," said Basacco. "His work output in a game is second to none. He's probably the most efficient player we have on the field. He demonstrates that game in and game out. We're very, very happy that he decided to come to Western and that we have him on the team.
 
"[Braeden's] been another nice pleasant surprise for us. He's got three goals in four games, and you really can't expect more than that from a rookie. We're happy with those two performances, and tomorrow might be an opportunity to try some of our other rookies to see where their performance level is and what they can contribute to the squad."
 
The Mustangs controlled the play throughout the first 45 minutes, outshooting the Thunderbirds 17-1 and generating the majority of scoring chances in the half.
 
Western's best chance to extend their lead came in the 30th minute as Will Barrie sent a low cross to Parker Seymour, who got a shot off that went just high.
 
Algoma had a chance to tie the game late in the half thanks to a shot from Ryan Marchan, however Kody Thomson was there to shut the door and keep the Mustangs up by one.
 
The second half played out much the same as the first, with Western keeping play concentrated in the Algoma end but unable to convert on their scoring chances.
 
"It's still early in the season," said Basacco about the team's trouble scoring on Saturday. "It's getting the familiarity with players and combination moves, and how they're going to work for us and create an opportunity to score. Right now, it didn't work so well today. At least they created the chances, so if you look at the positive, they created the chances. But you cannot give a team an opportunity to get back in the game, and when you only have a one-goal lead it gives them that opportunity."
 
With another three points under their belts, the Mustangs now get set to face the Thunderbirds for the second time in two days.
 
"I think everyone just needs to get a good rest, maybe have an ice bath tonight," said Gee about how the team will prepare to face the same opponent again tomorrow. "I don't think we were focused enough when we came into the game today and took it too lightly. Tomorrow has to be better, and hopefully we'll win by more."
 
Game time for Sunday's rematch is set for 2:15 p.m. at Mustangs Field.