By Tracey Tong
Right before Ryerson’s soccer teams took to the field at the University of Guelph Saturday, the dark rain clouds cleared from the sky, making way for a downpour of goals.
In four weekend games the Rams were outscored a combined 21-0.
The men, after losing 2-0 to Guelph on Saturday, lost Sunday’s contest at McMaster 4-0. The women’s team did far worse, losing 6-0 to Guelph and 9-0 to McMaster.
Both teams are 0-5-0 in the OUA Central/South Divisions of their respective leagues and are imbedded in last place. With five games remaining on both teams’ schedules, it’s not likely either will be playing in the postseason.
Only the top two teams in he four-team divisions make the playoffs. The men’s team is now eight points behind McMaster for the final playoff spot, while the women are 10 points behind McMaster, for second place.
The men’s team just couldn’t get any breaks in their Sunday game against McMaster.
Early in the second half the Rams appeared poised to break a two-game scoreless streak when they were awarded a penalty shot. But the McMaster goalie made a fine save to preserve his shutout.
To make matter worse, Ryerson lost four players because of injuries during the game, including Marko Ptrovski, who had to be taken to hospital to treat a concussion.
“We lost worse than on Saturday, but we played better,” head coach Stuart Miller said. “The guys worked hard and given the injuries we suffered, I can’t fault them.”
The women’s team, however, had a bitter feeling when the weekend was over and done.
“It’s upsetting and frustrating,” women’s team co-captain and defended Malia Herold said. “We were playing so well.”
“We made lots of offensive plays, but Mac outsmarted us. Their forwards were really strong and capitalized on every opportunity to score.”
Ryerson’s women’s team hasn’t won a game in more than three years, but coach Jon Sanderson says his squad is making progress this year.
“I was disappointed in the games,” he sais. “But I think we’re applying our techniques in game situations. We had the possibility of a win or a tie on Saturday.”
Both teams will try to snap their losing streaks on Saturday when they take on the Windsor Lancers at Birchmount Stadium in Scarborough.
The men kick off at 1 p.m. and the women follow at 3 p.m. The next day, both teams travel to St. Catherines to take on the Brock University Badgers.
“Even though the loses are devastating, the teams aren’t giving up hope,” Sanderson said.
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