Julian Orlando Chaves
Student Journalist

The women's soccer team travelled to Oakville on Saturday to open their OCAA season against the Sheridan Bruins. Despite a loss in the season opener, the game provided excitement and anticipation for what's to come this season.

After a thrilling win against St. Clair in their final exhibition match, the Mountaineers fell short on Saturday with a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Bruins.

Head coach Paul Giannini says the team started strong but the early momentum from Sheridan dropped his team's confidence.

"I think we received a couple unlucky goals from the start, and we got to build from there. The team lost a little confidence," says Giannini following his first game behind the bench for the Mountaineers. "We started strong for the first 20 minutes, we got them pinned in, but we got one break and they scored a goal, which is tough."

Mohawk was superior in defensive order and ball control to open the match but Sheridan quickly flipped the script with a beautiful long-distance shot to take the lead. After the goal, the Mountaineers continued to insist and control the midfield.

The Mountaineers couldn't get that last offensive pass to generate danger in the opponent's field. Sheridan took advantage of a lost ball in the midfield to create a dangerous play and score the final goal of the half.

The second half was not much different from the first as the Mountaineers remained organized on defence and prioritized physicality and endurance. Nevertheless, the Bruins took advantage of two strong counterattacks to take a four-goal lead.

As the game came to a close, Mohawk entered the opponent's penalty area, where they got a penalty kick and took advantage to make it a 4-1 game.

Despite the result, the Mountaineers showed positive aspects in their game. Giannini highlights the team's effort and commitment.

"The team didn't give up. The squad keep fighting until the end, no matter what. For sure there were good things," says Giannini. "We definitely have some things to work on, but we have some good stuff."

The women's team will look to add three points in their second OCAA match as they host the Niagara Knights on Tuesday in the home opener. The women will kickoff at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men at 8:00 p.m. with both games coming at Redeemer University.

Spectators are permitted for home games at Redeemer with contact tracing taking place.