LONDON, Ont. (September 2, 2019) - The Queen's Gaels (0-2) dropped a 40-23 decision to the No.2 Western Mustangs (2-0) in a special evening Labour Day game in London, Ontario.

GAME FLOW
The opening of the game saw the Gaels give up a single after a mishandle of the ensuing kick-off. Despite the deficit, the Gaels were able to march down the field and kicker Nick Liberatore was able to connect from 37-yards out to put the Gaels ahead 3-1 early.

The Mustangs retook the lead after Marc Liegghio connected on a 35-yard field goal and Western quarterback Chris Merchant followed up with an 11-yard strike to Trey Humes.

Entering the second quarter down 20-3 the Gaels offence got their first major. Tristan Kuchar punched a rush up the gut bouncing off of linemen for 10-yards into the endzone. The Mustangs were quick to respond however and Merchant closed out the half with a rushing score of his own.

After Western started the second half with a field goal, the Gaels put together a pair of big plays on offence. First, James Keenan reached back and fired a deep shot to Richard Burton who hauled in the 36-yard reception. That play set up a beautiful over the shoulder catch by Sakhia Kwemo in the back of the endzone for a touchdown. Kwemo now has a touchdown in each of the Gaels first games this season.

In the fourth quarter, the Gaels saw rookie quarterback Ryan Licandro check-in on offence. He put together a few strong drives and was able to quarterback sneak his way into the endzone for his first career U SPORTS touchdown. The Gaels attempted to go for two points and Licandro connected with Kwemo but he was tackled just shy of the endzone.

The Gaels won the second half outscoring Western 13-6 over the final two frames but an early deficit handed them a 40-23 loss.

MUST SEE
Kwemo with the beautiful grab Kuchar punches one in Licandro first career score BY THE NUMBERS
2 - Touchdowns so far for Kwemo, one in each game
1st - Career score for rookie QB Licandro
2 - Sacks for Gabriel Boucher
1 - Interception each for Zack Kealey and Oliver MacKenzie

UP NEXT
It will be a quick turnaround for the Tricolour as they no must head to Ottawa on Saturday for a 1 pm kick-off against the No.9 Ottawa Gee-Gees. Catch all of the action live on OUA.tv.