Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
Both the Algoma Thunderbirds men’s and women’s soccer teams hit the road on Sunday, September 21st to take on the McMaster Marauders in OUA action. The weekend presents a tough test for the Thunderbirds as they face one of the conference’s competitive programs in Hamilton.
The Algoma Thunderbirds women returned to the pitch on Sunday, September 21st, facing off against the McMaster Marauders in OUA women’s soccer play. Despite a determined effort, the Thunderbirds came up short as the Marauders capitalized on key scoring opportunities to take the match.
McMaster opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Jade Abreo netted her first of the season, finishing a setup from Mea Martel to put the Marauders ahead 1-0. The game stayed tight until late in the second half, when Abreo struck again in the 82nd minute, this time converting from the penalty spot to double the lead. Just six minutes later, Abreo added to her impact by setting up teammate Olivia Blair, who sealed the 3-0 victory with her first goal of the campaign.
While the Thunderbirds battled hard and created their own moments of pressure, the Marauders’ late surge proved too much to overcome. Algoma will look to regroup and build on their performance as they continue their OUA schedule in the weeks ahead.
On the men’s side for the Thunderbirds, Algoma men’s soccer team earned a hard-fought point on the road, playing the McMaster Marauders to a 2-2 draw in OUA action. It was a back-and-forth contest highlighted by timely goals and resilient play from both sides.
The Thunderbirds struck first just eight minutes in, as Evan Hurren opened his season account with a well-placed finish to put Algoma up 1-0. McMaster answered in the 34th minute when Amir Shirazi converted from the penalty spot to even the match at 1-1. Shirazi added his second of the day early in the second half, capitalizing on a feed from LeShawn Facey to give the Marauders their first lead in the 58th minute.
Algoma refused to back down, and their persistence paid off in the 68th minute. Brett Findlay buried his first goal of the season off a setup from Hiroki Wada, knotting the score at 2-2. Despite late pushes from both sides, neither team could find the winner, leaving the Thunderbirds with a well-earned draw against a tough McMaster squad.
The result marks an important step forward for Algoma, showing resilience and character as they continue their OUA campaign.
The Algoma Thunderbirds are back in action this weekend as they host the Windsor Lancers in a two-day OUA soccer series at Superior Heights in Sault Ste. Marie. Matches are set for Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th, with the women kicking off at 1:00 p.m. followed by the men at 3:15 p.m. on both days. Fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of university soccer as the Thunderbirds aim to defend home turf and pick up key points in front of their local supporters.
