TORONTO - The TMU Bold took on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on home pitch at Downsview Park. The team is coming off a win against RMC, and after a bye-week, they were back stronger than ever.
As soon as the whistle blew the pressure was on. The Bold kept possession of the ball moving forward towards the net.
The Bold played a tactical game, forcing the Ridgeback into their zone. Any turnovers made by the Ridgebacks were shut down by midfielder Jazz Dev who played a phenomenal 90 minutes.
"I was just trying to get across the field just switching the point of attack," said Dev.
A member of the TMU coaching staff spoke on Dev's play, "She got into her own element and became a star. I think she's a pivotal player for the team now and moving forward."
A corner taken by Dev in the 19th minute led to a beautiful goal for second-year Aalayah Lully with the header shot, her first of the season, giving the Bold the lead.
"All the hard work in practice, coming early and working on the crosses, just showed in the game today and I'm glad I scored," said Lully.
The Bold held their lines and never backed down, giving little possession to the Ridgebacks.
Abby Harrison in net stopped five shots, before subbing out in the second half.
Starting the second half in the lead, the Bold continued to play a stellar game. Making great use of the middle, Emily Di Natale took two shots on goal of five.
In the 83rd minute, the Ridgebacks managed to squeeze in a goal, tying up the match.
But with four minutes of added time, a heartbreaking final goal by the Ridgebacks gave them the lead and the win of 2-1.
"We just have to stay focused on the last ten minutes, because that's a key moment of the game," said Dev.
A strong effort was made by the Bold throughout all 90 minutes, but they just fell short.
"The game isn't just 20 or 30 minutes, it's 90 minutes and we need to sustain that high level for the 90 minutes to pull out results," said the member of the coaching staff.
The Bold will be back at Downsview Park on Sunday for the second match of the weekend. They will take on the Laurentian Voyageurs for the second time this season at 12 p.m. looking to win once again.
