TORONTO — With the start of a new season came fresh new expectations, but the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team fell short in their home opener against the Carleton Ravens, 2-1. 

Looking to keep their momentum going from last year, the Bold came into the game ready to get their season rolling.

TMU's Natalie Moynihan put the ball in the back of the net in the 11th minute, putting the Bold ahead early 1-0. After a standout rookie season, Moynihan will serve a key role on the roster this year.

Head Coach John Yacou shared his confidence in the second-year midfielder, "We always expect those from her because she is a quality player and one of our top players and we need her to step up in these type of games and she usually does."

Reflecting on her season opener goal, Moynihan shared that the key was to trust in her summer and preseason training, "I'm not nervous for my teammates and I'm not nervous for myself."

Feeling the pressure from the Bold after they scored, the Ravens quickly replied. Ava Mills netted a goal in the 18th minute to make the score 1-1.

Feeding off the tying goal, the Ravens continued to put pressure on the Bold's side of the pitch. Goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci kept the Bold in game contention by making some key saves nearing the end of the first half, which ended in a stalemate, 1-1.

Beginning the second half, the Ravens continued putting pressure on the Bold, gaining control of the game. The momentum shift shook up TMU, who were unable to make advances towards the Ravens' end. 

Yacou hopes that the team can learn early from these mistakes and regroup, "We just have to stay in it and just believe that we can get back in the game and stick to our game plan and not be all frantic. It got to a moment where we really got emotional at times and really pushed for the goal, so it's expected when you're losing a game."

Finally capitalizing on one of their offensive pursuits, Carleton's Mikayla Moser scored in the 72nd minute, pushing the Ravens into the lead, 2-1.

The Bold attempted to make one final push and get beyond the Ravens' physical defence, but couldn't find any chances. The Ravens ended victorious 2-1. 

Despite the loss, the Bold saw strong efforts from many faces on the team, specifically rookies who served some minutes on the pitch.

"We got a lot of first-year players making appearances and really competing for minutes," said Yacou. "We are really young and smaller in numbers this year, so it's positive that a lot of the girls are stepping up."

The Bold have a quick game turnover as they hit the road and face the Trent Excalibur on Sunday, Aug. 31. Moynihan is ready to regroup and look towards the next match by prioritizing post-game procedures and mental work, "It's a quick turnover, but you know, we're ready."

Game time is set for 1 p.m. at Justin Chiu Stadium in Peterborough, Ont. The match can be viewed online on OUA.tv.