The Laurentian University men and women's soccer teams are out to put some much-needed points on the board when the Voyageurs and Lady Vees host rivals RMC Paladins and Queen's University. Both Laurentian squads are staring upwards in the very tough OUA Eastern division this season and will be looking to defeat teams ahead of them in the standings to make up ground.
Coming off a harsh five games in eight days, Laurentian takes on Royal Military College on Saturday. Despite their record or place in the standings, RMC always provides the home side with a tough challenge. This time around should be no different, as both the men and women's Paladin squads have added talent to improve last year's units.
On Sunday Laurentian plays host to the Golden Gaels from Queens University, who are looking down at both Laurentian sides in the standings. These games should be hard played and psychical battles, and Laurentian needs to play their own game if they want to be victorious.
The men sit in fifth place in the East Division with a record of 1-2-1. The women sit in seventh place in the East Division with a record of 0-3-2.
Meanwhile, the RMC men are 0-2-1 (last place in East) and Queens is 2-0-2 (second place).
The RMC women are 1-2-0 (fifth place) while Queens is 2-1-2 (fourth).
"We will need to focus on the little things to come away with two victories this weekend as both of these teams give you very little defensively," said head coach Carlo Castrechino in a press release. "It will be a tough home weekend."
Benefiting the Voyageurs and Vees this weekend will be the full week of practice and rest that they profited from. Starting out with a busy schedule early on did not leave much time for these things in the past and such things can only help in the future. The squads will look to finally create some momentum this season and start the steep climb back towards the top of the standings.
"Nothing is coming easy right now," said Lady Vees head coach Rob Gallo. "We"re in a tail spin. Defence was supposed to be our strong point and right now, we?re struggling. We made adjustments and if we play a complete game we will be fine."
Game times this weekend are noon and 2 pm with the Lady Vees kicking off the excitement both days. Fans are reminded Saturday's game against RMC is the annual Kick for the Cure classic, with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society.
