TORONTO - The Toronto Metropolitan University Bold women's soccer team claimed their first home victory against the Laurentian Voyageurs nearing the end of the regular season.
The Bold and Voyageurs are tied in seventh position in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East division standings.
"We knew what we were getting into. [Laurentian] typically is a fairly physical side, you know, they're decent on the press, they're quick on the counter so it was just ensuring that when we did decide to build up and play out of the back, we were making the right decisions and our turnover rate was good," said Head Coach Natalie Bukovec.
The girls started the game with some great offensive plays, working up towards Voyageurs goal and making two shots.
Rookie Jazz Dev's corner was a missed opportunity for the Bold and midfielder Emily Di Natale stepped up making a shot that was just high of the goal.
Goalkeeper Abby Harrison made a quick save to stop the Voyageurs cross to goal.
A foul given to the Bold's Lizzie Farsang led the Voyageurs to a free kick which found a clean way into the back of the net in the 34th minute.
Farsang was quick to even the score when she scored off a penalty in the 42nd minute. Her teammates and coaches cheered, with a blue smoke bomb from the bleachers being set off in celebration.
"I recognized that was my moment to step up and step into that leadership position, set the team off on a new note and bring them up into the second half," said Farsang.
The first half ended in a tie and the Bold were hopeful to claim a victory.
"I wanted to counter quick and get on the board as soon as we could to kind of get into [Laurentian's] minds after they scored so they weren't getting too comfortable. It just gives a sense of urgency to the team because I know that energy is contagious and I wanted it to carry out the field," added the opening goal scorer.
As the second half approached, pressure built for both teams.
Ultimately, it was the Bold who overpowered the visitors when Taliyah Walker scored a goal which hit the left pole and slipped into the visitor's net in the 69th minute. Walker came on for yesterday's goal scorer Aaliyah Lully just before halftime.
"First half it's one one and this for us is a must-win. We're trying to push to get into the playoffs. We all bought into the fact that we had to go out there and get a win no matter who it came from and of course I'm happy to be on the scoresheet but it was a team effort there," said Walker.
The team is eager to make the playoffs this year and every game is a must-win for the Bold.
The team heads to the nation's capital next week to face the OUA East No.2 University of Ottawa Gee-Gees on Oct. 14. They're ready to go full gears to secure a playoffs spot.
"Ottawa will be a very different approach. Typically a very strong side as we know. FISU champions, a side that has been to nationals before. For us, it would really be to use that opportunity to capitalize against Carleton on the Sunday," said Bukovec.
