Kingston, ON – A pair of Laval goals book ending the 1^st half was too much for the Mustangs Women's Soccer team to overcome in the opening game of the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship on Thursday afternoon.

Both sides came out strong but the Rouge et Or would stirk first in this game, just four minutes in when Mathilde Rousseau sent a shot on net that deflected off a Mustangs player and into the Western goal to give Laval the 1-0 lead.

Western would try to even up the match with some offensive pressure but wasn't able to solve Laval netminder Anne-Marie Laroche.

Late in the opening half, the Rouge et Or would strike again. In extra time Laval's Lea-Jeanne Fortier sent a pass across the box and Daphnee Blouin delivered the strike to the back of the Western net to take a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, the Mustangs continued to play at an increased pace and with physicality but again couldn't find a way to solve the Laval defenders.

Western defender and First Team All-Canadian Avarie Thomas was named Player of the Game in the post game ceremony.

The Mustangs will now play a rematch of the OUA semi final on Friday afternoon when they face the host Queen's Gaels, who lost to Trinity Western on Thursday night. The consolation match is set for 1:30pm on Friday. Fans can watch the action on CBC Gem, CBC Sports & the CBC Sports YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/-ofJ8YTGp50?si=-VJba1ZKpt4nuBH3https://www.youtube.com/live/-ofJ8YTGp50?si=-VJba1ZKpt4nuBH3