LONDON — The Mustangs Women's Soccer team defeated McMaster 2-1 on Saturday evening in the OUA Quarterfinals. The Mustangs secured the win with two second-half goals, overcoming a first-half deadlock. Western's offence was active, recording 15 shots and 7 on target.

"We definitely didn't want to come and sit in. We wanted to go and try to score, and we know that we have to be firing on all cylinders to score. We know we're strong defensively, but we have to do the other things. So, we wanted to be front-footed." said Mustangs Associate Coach Onkar Dhillon "Definitely did not want to sit in and let this be a chess match for an hour and then decide we're going to play in the last half an hour. We wanted to play right from the get-go, and so did they, and that's what made it, I think, an entertaining game."
The Mustangs fell in the Quarterfinals last season, something that was on the mind of the entire returning roster, playing in tonight's game.

"I think we definitely remember the feeling of last year, and we didn't want to experience that again. We relied on our preparation. We knew we were going to be ready for this game, and I think we showed that on the field." said Mustangs defender Avarie Thomas.

GAME RECAP
The first half began with the Mustangs pushing forward aggressively, as Gabby Kohut tested the Marauders' goalkeeper Ali Mudie early with a shot that was saved. Sophia Saville followed with another attempt that went wide. Western continued to maintain pressure, with Emily Foster forcing another save from Mudie at the 26th minute. McMaster responded with two corner kicks but failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Western's defence held strong, preventing any significant threats. Despite multiple chances, the half concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, as both teams went into halftime without a breakthrough.

"We've gone to the bench early and often this season, and halftime is always a place for us to go to fresh legs and big energy, and that's what we did. It wasn't tactical changes. It was just people who are ready to come in and do that extra running and give a respite to some of the players who were on in the first half," said Dhillon. "So I think it's just that we've used every player as part of the pitch today, we believe in our entire roster, and we want to use them."
 
The second half began with Western maintaining pressure and controlling possession. Reese Fowler attempted an early shot that went high, followed by efforts from Foster and Jacqueline Brown that were saved by the Marauders' goalkeeper, Mudie. Western's persistence paid off when Fowler scored in the 54th minute, breaking the deadlock. The Mustangs continued to press forward, culminating in Avarie Thomas's goal in the 71st minute, assisted by Fowler, doubling the lead. Despite McMaster's attempts to respond, including a late goal from Olivia Blair in the 84th minute, Western maintained a defensive stance. The half concluded with Western holding a 2-1 advantage.

"Reese plays good corners. I was in the right position. I just had it." said Thomas.

KEY STATS
Avarie Thomas - One goal, two shots

Reese Fowler - One goal, one assist, five shots 

NEXT GAME
Stay tuned to WesternMustangs.ca for details on the OUA Semi-Final once they are released.