London, ON – The Mustangs took on the Ottawa Gee-Gees in OUA Semi-Final action Wednesday night on Mustangs Field for a spot in the OUA Finals and USPORTS Nationals, where the 'Stangs ultimately fell in penalties.
 
The Mustangs secured top spot in the West with a 9-2-1 record, earning coach Martin Painter West Coach of the Year Honours in the process, whereas Ottawa finished second in the East with a 9-1-2 record.
 
Both team's secured first round byes due to their rankings, with the Mustangs beating McMaster to set up the semi-final against Ottawa, who beat the University of Toronto in their own matchup.
 
The high quality of both teams was on display Wednesday, as the defensive game took suit in a very evenly matched game. With no score through regulation and added time, it was the Gee-Gees who proved victorious by way of a shootout.
 
"It was a tough game," said head coach Martin Painter. "I thought we fought really well. We gave everything we had. Unfortunately, when we had a couple half chances we didn't execute but credit to Ottawa they're a great team. The shootout we'd like to have back but that's a part of soccer and it's a tough way to lose but I'm proud of the effort."
 
"We came into this well prepared," added midfielder Medina Birani. "We were really positive and confident and knew what had to get done. We were aggressive and played really well for 120 minutes. Every single person played to the best of their ability and it just came down to a shootout which is unfortunate. I'm really proud of all the girls for an amazing season and an amazing last game."
 
With the packed stands roaring behind the team sending waves of energy throughout the home side, Western came out with early pressure in the first half, but were unable to convert in the final third.
 
As the match began to settle in, both teams had their share of possession, but neither could find any fair chances at goal.
 
The 'Stangs' defense stood strong and was a highlight of the half for the home side, limiting the Gee-Gees to one shot on goal which keeper Samantha St. Croix saved comfortably to close out an otherwise uneventful first 45.
 
"We had to defend a lot," said Painter. "I thought our defensive performance was outstanding."
 
With a ball still yet to find the back of the net and time ticking down, tensions continued to rise mirrorring the increasing rowdiness of the crowd and their supportive echoes.

"It was really nice," said Birani on the crowd support. "I didn't think there was going to be a lot of people because of reading week so it was really nice to see the support and it definitely pushed us forward."
 
In the 68^th minute Gabrielle Kohut had a chance at goal, but the ball was touched a bit too far ahead, allowing the Ottawa keeper to jump on top.

Soon after, an Ottawa hand ball set up the purple and white in the corner by the Gee-Gees goal, with the ensuing chance falling just wide of the net to the shock of Mustang supporters.
 
The Mustangs had another free kick minutes later, but yet again couldn't create a chance from it.
 
With the momentum swinging the way of the 'Stangs, it was Ottawa who had the best chance with 10 minutes to go, as a header almost fell over the goal line before being cleared away by a mirage of white jerseys and even an Ottawa head.
 
No team could break the stalemate by the end of 90 minutes, sending the game to two 15-minute extra-time halves.
 
Extra time was no different than regulation, with opportunities coming from a Maddy Skinner free kick and shot on goal with a minute to go, registering the purple and whites only shot on goal in the match.
 
Still without a score line, the game was set to be decided by way of a best of five penalty shootout.
 
"Ottawa is a good team," said Birani. "They're probably the best team we've played all season and I think throughout 120 minutes it was a pretty even battle."
 
Ottawa converted on their first, second and fourth penalties, whereas the 'Stangs were not able to find the back of the net, sending the Gee-Gees to the OUA Finals while bringing Western's season to a close.
 
"This Ottawa team is a very good team with a lot of experienced players. They have a lot of quality," said Painter. "I'm proud of the effort and unfortunately we just came up short."
 
Despite the loss, the Mustangs congratulated and wished luck to their opponents, while walking off to applause of their own from the home supporters as the purple and white left it all out on the field. 
 
With the season coming to a close, the team recognizes their success that saw them finish top of the West, with four players earning team all-star spots. Avarie Thomas, Medina Birani, and Mackenzie Bilotta were recognized as 1^st Team All Stars, whereas Maya Lankin earned a spot as a 2^nd Team All Star.
 
"It makes me extremely happy," said Birani on being named an all-star. "I wouldn't be able to do it without my teammates, so I appreciate all of them and congratulations to the other girls too."
 
"The team effort this year has been really good," reflected Painter on the season. "We still have a very young team. The majority of our players are in their second year of playing university soccer so to win the division and to get home field and push a team like Ottawa is very good."
 
And while the season officially comes to a close with the loss, the team is focused on the positives and all that can be learned and brought into next year.
 
"[The message is to] keep their heads up and walk out of here proud. This is part of sports," said Painter. "Two good team's play and unfortunately someone has to lose, and it just wasn't our night. Overall, the season was a great one and we will be back next year."