HAMILTON, Ont. - Opening the season against a 2021 OUA Championship finalist may not have been what the McMaster Marauders women's soccer team had hoped for in their opening weekend but the maroon and grey didn't let that get to them.

On Saturday afternoon, the Marauders earned a point with a 1-1 draw but were unable to get on the scoreboard Sunday, dropping a 1-0 contest to the Mustangs.

Saturday September 3 - London, Ont.

In the first match-up between the two teams in London on what may have been the hottest day of the year, Western came out of the gates strong, making seven attempts at goal in the opening 45 minutes. The home team broke through in the 23rd minute with a goal from Avarie Thomas to go up 1-0. The one goal advantage stood at the conclusion of the first half.

After the break, the Mustangs continued to be an attacking force but the defensive core for the Marauders held strong. Western thought they had doubled their lead late in the game but the goal was disallowed, keeping McMaster within striking distance. Just minutes later, McMaster substitute, Bryanna Caldwell (Tottenham, Ont.), found the back of the net (unassisted) to get the maroon and grey on the board - 1-1. The scoreline stood, securing a point for the visitors. Rookie, Julia Kutman (Ottawa, Ont.) was in net for the Marauders.

Sunday September 4 - Hamilton, Ont.

Back in Hamilton on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the Marauders looked to build on the momentum from the previous day. Early on, Western started fast as they had in London, putting several shots at the Marauder netminder, Alexandra Mudie (Burlington, Ont.). Mudie stood tall, ensuring none of the Mustang attempts found the back of the net.

Just after halftime, Western struck. Hannah Vickers' shot squeaked past Mudie to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. Despite outshooting Western 6-4 in the second half and pushing for an equalizer, time ran out on the Marauders.

Offensively, McMaster was led by Tiam Pourbakhtiari (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Emilie Calabrese (Ancaster, Ont.) and Georgia Merriman (Guelph, Ont.) who each recorded two shots. Mudie faced 10 shots throughout the 90 minutes of play and tallied nine saves.

The Marauders are 0-1-1 on the season while the Mustangs record a 1-0-1 record. 

Next Up 

The Marauders will now prepare for a home-and-home with the Guelph Gryphons next weekend. McMaster will travel to Guelph on Friday before returning to Ron Joyce Stadium on Sunday.