The Brock University women's soccer team posted a perfect 2-0 record with wins over Waterloo and Laurier last weekend.
First-year midfielder Brianne Desa stole the show with a pair of goals in her first university match to lift the Badgers to a 2-1 victory over the Waterloo Warriors during Brock's home opener at Alumni Field on Aug. 24.
"The best teams always find a way to win. Waterloo worked incredibly hard and were resolute at the back," said head coach Kevin Trethowan. "I'm proud of the way our girls continued to press, and I am delighted that we got the win we deserved."
Desa opened the scoring in the 32nd minute in style by dribbling through four defenders. Brock held a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Waterloo's Ciara Dunne replied late in the second half.
"But, the highlight of the game came in stoppage," said Trethowan.
Melanie Schouten created chaos in front of the net with a shot to the back post as Desa calmly fired the ball into the back of the net for her second goal of the match.
Brock outshot Waterloo 14-8.
On Aug. 25, goalkeeper Marilena Spagnolo made six saves to backstop the Badgers to a 1-0 road win at Laurier.
"Laurier came out much stronger in the second half and put us under pressure. Marilena pulled off a couple of strong saves to keep us at 0-0," said Trethowan. "As with the game against Waterloo, the best teams find a way to win and once again, we dug deep, stuck to our game plan and we got the reward."
Waterloo hit the post in the second half, causing panic in the Brock zone before they took control and rifled up the field to net the game-winning goal.
Midfielder Cassandra Stirpe dished a sharp pass through two Laurier defenders to connect with forward Sydney Sica, who scored at the 73rd mark.
"It was a tense game with both teams enjoying spells of dominance. We had most of the possession and chances in the first half and probably should have been one or two up," said Trethowan.
Up next, the Badgers (2-0) travel to Windsor to battle the Lancers (0-2) on Friday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. before visiting the Western Mustangs on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.
MEN'S SOCCER TEAM TAKES DOWN GOLDEN HAWKS
Shawn Johnson scored the game-winning goal and the Badgers men's soccer team won their first game of the season to avoid an 0-2 start.
"We knew going into this game that an 0-2 start would not be acceptable," said head coach Lucio Ianiero. "Laurier was in the same position as us having lost their first game also. Laurier came out strong and quick, but we weathered the storm."
Laurier hit two posts, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Johnson scored the lone marker on a feed from Alexander Makubuya.
"The team proved their worth with their work rate on the field," said Ianiero. "It was a total team effort tonight and they were rewarded for their hard work."
Brock lost their first match 2-0 on Aug. 24.
Up next, the men's soccer team (1-1) will visit the Windsor Lancers (0-2) on Friday, Aug. 31 at 8:15 p.m. and the Western Mustangs on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 3:15 p.m.
