Martlets
Game
Even indoors, McGill’s women’s soccer team dominated their Quebec competitors.
The McGill Martlets are heading to the Indoor Soccer Provincial Championships after defeating the University of Sherbrooke in a nail-biting game that was finally decided by penalty kicks.
Entering the semifinal undefeated, McGill came to play. They scored 25 minutes into the first half and had multiple other chances, but were unable to convert. McGill fought off Sherbrooke’s comeback for almost an hour, but with 15 minutes to play, the Vert et Or equalized.
“The game was a good [one] against a tough team,” said Head Coach Marc Mounicot. “It was really physical out there but we dominated … and played well.”
Since the match ended in a tie, it went to penalty kicks. In indoor soccer only three players from each team get the chance to take a shot, meaning penalties are even more pressure-packed than their outdoor counterpart. Both McGill and Sherbrooke scored on their first two opportunities. Unfortunately for Sherbrooke, they missed their third shot whereas McGill converted, winning the game and a berth in the final against the University of Montreal Carabins.
Season Recap
The regular indoor season was a rousing success as the team finished with six wins and only one tie. However, since Montreal had the same record and a better goal differential, the Carabins ended up first in the standings going into the playoffs.
“Now that we’re in the playoffs we’re not just doing the best we can,” said Mounicot. “During the regular season, we were more oriented towards a process of development with equal playing time and working on technical things, but now we’re trying to win.”
The indoor season was about improving the team as a whole. Defensive organization was an area of special attention, to appreciable success. While the Martlets allowed two goals in their first game, they allowed the same number over the remainder of the regular season and finished the year with an impressive 0.57 goals-against per-game average.
McGill faced UQAM in the first round of playoffs and beat them soundly in a 3-1 victory, propelling the team into the semifinal against Sherbrooke.
“We have a very competitive desire and each game we’re trying to do a little bit better, if we win the provincial championship it will be a great thing for the program and we will be very satisfied with the season,” said Mounicot.
The championship game is against the University of Montreal on March 27 at Trois-Rivières.
Redmen
Game
Losing in the semifinals seems to be the Redmen’s fate.
The McGill Redmen were sent home Sunday night after losing to the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières in a penalty shootout.
McGill entered the semifinals with a 3-1-2 record but UQTR dominated the scoring early with two goals. McGill fought back and rallied to tie the score at two. Yohann Capolungo and Stephen Keefe scored the McGill goals. Capolungo was awarded McGill Player of the Game.
The match ended in a tie and went into penalty kicks. Both McGill and Sherbrooke scored their first two opportunities, but, unfortunately for the Redmen, they missed their third chance and the Patriotes scored their final penalty kick to take the victory.
Season Recap
The Redmen were undefeated in their first four regular season games as they alternated between wins and ties. In their second last game of the season, McGill played a tough team in Laval and lost a close 1-0 game. This was an improvement from their last game in the outdoor season against Laval when they lost 3-0.
McGill allowed only six goals over the course of the regular season, largely due to the strong play of their goaltenders. Matt Gilmour had an impressive performance in his game against Concordia University where he had 10 saves and a shutout.
Heading into the playoffs, McGill upped their play. Despite only beating UQAM 2-1 in their regular season matchup, the Redmen controlled their quarterfinal matchup en route to a commanding 5-1 victory.
