A goal by Pilar Khoury at the 57 minute mark stood as the game-winner in Sunday's 2014 OUA women's soccer championship. The University of Ottawa raised the conference banner for the eighth time in program history, setting a record as the winningest team in the OUA.
Khoury was named Player of the Match for the second consecutive game, following her goal on a beautifully-placed header to start the second half. From 30 yards out, fifth-year defender Maris Barnabe delivered a curving boot into the box that Khoury was able to strike into the right side of the net past Mustangs goalkeeper Tori Edgar.
"I think we showed a lot of character yesterday when we were down a player. We came together and worked hard and it came together for us," said an ecstatic Barnabe. "We're so excited to go to nationals and show everyone in the country what we're made of."
Ottawa goalkeeper Cynthia Leblanc did not have much work to do in the game, but came up with an excellent save in the low corner during the final ten minutes. Leblanc weathered the storm of Western pressure to close out the match - the only real pressure felt from the Mustangs.
The Gee-Gees had the majority of chances in the first half, although Western earned numerous opportunities from corner kick. A Maris Barnabe header hit the right post and stayed out while a Chiara Quadri free kick nearly toppled over the goal line while in the arms of the Western keeper. Just before halftime, Khoury broke through on her own in a near repeat of Saturday's game-winning goal, but was unable to reach ball before keeper.
"It truly was a team effort," said Ottawa head coach Steve Johnson "We are more of a team this year than perhaps other years. Other years we may have had more individual talent, but collectively this team has really performed well all season."
"It's pretty stressful to hold a 1-0 lead, but I thought we held it together and kept our shape and our defensive responsibilities held," said rookie midfielder Katherine Bearne. "It feels amazing, to get a chance to play with a great group of girls is such an awesome opportunity."
The seeding and schedules for the CIS women's soccer championship will be announced on Monday morning. The tournament will open on Thursday with semifinals taking place on Friday and the national championship match on Sunday, November 9. All matches will be broadcast on CIS.tv
