After suffering their first loss of the season the previous weekend, the Douglas Royals women's soccer team looked to get back on track in a weekend set of back to back games against the Capilano University Blues. The last time the Royals met the Blues, the game ended in the Royals favour with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday's game was in stark comparison to their earlier match-up which saw 51 shots on goal combined from both teams. Defense was the story on Saturday though as the offensive sides for either team couldn't break past each others midfield and defense, leading to only 19 total shots combined and a scoreless draw to kick off the weekend.
The first half of Sunday's game contained a lot more offensive action havning both teams combine for 17 shots, with the ball finally finding the back of the net. Unfortunately for the Royals it was the Blues who managed to get on the score sheet as second year player and leading goal scorer for the Blues Adrianna Babinski, scored her third goal of the season giving the Blues the 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute to end the half.
The second half had the Royals dominating in the shot column with Douglas putting up twelve shots to Capilano's three. Forwards Taylor Spong, Mikeala Montagano, and others had good chances to get the ball into the back of the net but unfortunately could not capitalize as Capilano held on for the 1-0 victory.
First year goaltender Tess Vanables proved why she's second in the league when it comes to save percentage, saving 10 of 11 shots this past weekend. When asked about how he felt about her performance, Head Coach Christ Laxton said "She's been great, it's tough for a first year goalie to come in but she's probably one of our more consistent players so far."
The Royals are now six points behind VIU for first place, and when asked about what the team needs to do to revive their winning ways from September, Head Coach Chris Laxton said "We need to do the little things, we need to battle. We are the better team technically but were not competing."
The Royals will have a chance to finish the season strong as the final two games of their regular season will be at Cunnings field on October 19th and 20th, against Langara and VIU.
