Box Score
QUEBEC CITY -- Thalia Krauth-Ibarz, a striker from  Brossard, Que., scored the tying goal as the visiting McGill Martlets battled second-place Laval to a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate in RSEQ women's soccer at Stade Telus, Friday.

The 22-year-old science sophomore, an honours student still in her first year of eligibility, unleashed a quick left-footed shot in the 33rd minute of play for her league-leading fifth marker in eight contests.

"She's has shown the ability to be in the right place at the right time ," said McGill head coach Jose-Luis Valdes. "Most of her goals have been from in close. She makes a long run and gets to the right spot for a tap-in."

Laval's Virginie Deschenes had opened the scoring in the eighth minute after redirecting a corner-kick with a header.

"We had a good first half, looked composed, moved the ball well and had some early chances but nine minutes in, Laval had a corner kick and we didn't defend properly," explained Valdes. "We were caught ball-watching on that play."

"In the second half, we were against a strong wind and didn't seem to find any rhythm," he added. "We couldn't get out of our half and they applied aggressive pressure. But we showed a ton of grit and character. We didn't give up too many good scoring chances. We were composed, didn't panic and it was fun to see how we played together as a group. While we wanted a win, we were happy to take the point on the road against a tough team."

Rookie goalkeeper Jasmine Lightfoot filled in admirably for injured starter Brenna Bordeniuka. The kinesiology freshman from Montreal was called upon to make her second career start between the pipes for the Martlets. She turned aside seven of eight shots, including several key ones late in the game, to merit the draw, improving her record to 0-0-2.

Laval 'keeper Myriam Labrecque saved one of two volleys fired her way.

The Rouge et Or were assessed all three yellow cards issued in the game. The cautions went to Joelle Mercier (47th minute), Daphnee Blouin (86th) and Laurie Couture-Dallaire (90th).

McGill, which lost their season opener 2-0 at home to Laval, improved to 3-2-1 in their last six meetings with the Rouge et Or since snapping an 0-11-2 winless streak against their provincial rivals.

It was a key point in the standings for the Martlets (3-2-3), who have a four-point lead over fifth-place Bishop's (2-4-2) for the final playoff berth in the eight-team RSEQ conference. With six games remaining before post-season play, the Martlets sit only two points in arrears of third-place UQAM . The Citadins (4-2-2) will host McGill in a key confrontation on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

MARTLET MURMURS: Also missing from the lineup was starting striker Giovanna Tiberio, who is awaiting medical clearance from an injury... On the other side of the ledger, senior Victoria Sturgess finally dressed for her first game of the season after sitting out with an undisclosed injury.

BOXSCORE

RSEQ STATS & STANDINGS

SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Sports Information Officer
Athletics & Recreation
McGill University
514-398-7012 (Off.)
m.athletics.mcgill.ca (mobile website)
www.mcgillathletics.ca
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca