London, ON – The Western women's soccer team returned home to Mustangs Field Saturday for a rainy afternoon tilt against the Waterloo Warriors.
 
Western started the game on the front foot and held sole possession for the first 12 minutes of the game. Their first dangerous chance came from a Medina Birani shot, but the Warriors goalie jumped to make an incredible save and prevent the ball from heading into the top left corner.
 
With a few minutes left in the half, Western's Maddy Skinner sent a free kick into the box, but the purple and white couldn't convert. The Warriors finished the half with a couple of chances, but goalie Abby Valiquette stepped up to keep the contest scoreless.
 
The rain intensified in the second half as Western looked to build off the momentum from the first.
 
Maya Lankin provided a burst of energy in the 71^st minute as she dribbled past the Waterloo defenders and shot it just over the crossbar for an excellent individual effort. A free kick 7 minutes later by Reese Fowler made it over the Waterloo wall and hit the crossbar, keeping the Mustangs in search for the first goal of the game.
 
"I thought we managed to play most of the game in their end of the field," said head coach Martin Painter. "We pressed well at times. Just lacking a bit of quality and composure in the final third."
 
As Waterloo began to push back, the Western back line stayed strong led by an excellent performance by first year Avarie Thomas.
 
"For her first year playing university soccer she's come in and been incredible," said Painter. "[She] wins all her battles, is smart and composed."
 
Despite their efforts, Western couldn't find the back of the net and the two teams settled for a draw and each took home one point.
 
"I think we performed well," said veteran defender Lauren O'Donnell. "Obviously not the outcome we wanted and going forward we'll just need to keep up the intensity."
 
Sitting in third place in the West division with 14 points and a 4-2-2 record, Western will push to win their games against Windsor this upcoming week to secure a spot in the playoffs.
 
"Making the playoffs is the goal. It's a tough schedule this year, tough division, and the format hasn't done us any favours," said Painter. "But it's a challenge we have to be ready for, so we have to win on Wednesday at home and then get something out of our last game at Windsor."

The Mustangs will look to claim a crucial three points against Windsor at home Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 5pm at Mustangs Field.