London, ON – The Women's Soccer Team drew McMaster 1-1 in the first game of the weekend series to open up the 2022 season in what proved to be an eventful contest. 
 
After a successful season which saw the Mustangs reach the OUA Championship, the purple and white returned to Mustangs Field for a new season in which late drama would see the two sides splitting points.
 
Avarie Thomas had the lone goal for the Mustangs, while McMaster put up 5 shots in contrast to Western's 13.
 
The Mustangs got off to a fast start and put a lot of early pressure on the visiting Marauders. But despite the early momentum, it was Western's Samantha St. Croix who was forced to make an early save off of a McMaster corner.
 
A foul along the wing would see Reese Fowler cross it into the box as the ball found the head of Avarie Thomas to open up the scoring in the 23^rd minute and give the Mustangs their first goal of the season.
 
"I knew Reese Fowler was on the ball, and I know she can hit a nice inswing," said Thomas. "I spun off my teammate Elana and it was right on the back post. I kind of hit the goalkeeper so I was like 'oh'."
 
"Set-pieces are a big part of the team," commented head coach Martin Painter on the goal. "But unfortunately we also conceded from a set-piece, so it was good to get one but we got to be better defensively too."
 
Fresh off the bench, Maddy Skinner almost doubled the lead for the 'Stangs with just under 15 minutes in the first half, but the ball found the goalpost and a Hannah Vickers rebound shot was punched out by the McMaster keeper.
 
"Considering it's a short training camp I think the team came out well," said Painter. "I thought in the first half we created some good moments, but struggled to break them down. They defended really well and were dangerous in transition."  
 
The visitors came out with urgency to start the second half, with St. Croix putting up another big save on a 1 versus 1 play.
 
Halfway through the second half Fowler took control around the box and put it on the foot of Mara Sanauceanu for a good chance that ultimately fell wide right.
 
With just under 10 minutes to go, the purple and white looked to have doubled their lead, but the goal was called off due to a hand ball. McMaster would find the equalizer just shortly after. 
 
"The linesman pulled the ball back, said it was a handball, disallowed the goal, and then we were not set up and they played before we were even over half, still celebrating [the goal]," said Thomas. "It all kind of fell apart from there."
 
"We scored a second goal," added Painter. "Unfortunately the referees decided they were going to bring it back, but it's something I've never seen before."
 
Reeling off the no-goal call, McMaster quickly got on the ball and put pressure on the Mustangs, consequently being awarded a free kick. McMaster would head the ball into the net to tie the game with 7 minutes remaining in the match.
 
The 'Stangs put forth a final push, but it ultimately fell short as the game concluded in a draw.
 
"They're a good team, it's a tough battle. I'm happy with the effort but there is a lot of things we got to get better at," concluded Painter. "Next game mentality, we got to forget about it."
 
"The mentality is to take each game as they come," said Thomas. "This game is out of our heads. We are hungry for three points tomorrow."
 
The Mustangs will head to Hamilton tomorrow in search of another three points as they face McMaster at 1pm to close out the weekend series.