TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 3-2 on a beautiful afternoon in the Bold's final home game of the regular season.
The first half had a slow start for both sides. The first 30 minutes were back-and-forth with the Bold trying to find their stride as a win this game would secure a spot in the playoffs.
In the 32nd minute, the Ridgebacks' Abbie Russell received her second yellow card of the game, resulting in her being sent off the field and the Bold having an extra player for the rest of the match.
The first goal of the game came from a foul in the box called on Ontario Tech.
Taylor Fazzari took the penalty kick, sending the ball straight into the back of the net. Fazzari claimed her seventh goal of the season and is now three-for-three on penalty kicks this season.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Ontario Tech's Tienna Martins sent a shot towards the net that
Elisa Paolucci couldn't catch, resulting in the ball rolling into the net.
At halftime, the score was tied, 1-1.
In the second half, the Bold were hungry to take the lead.
Taliyah Walker restored the lead in the 72nd minute after receiving a cross pass and firing the ball into the left side of the net.
The Bold recognized
Journey Lashley and
Taliyah Walker for Senior Night before the match.
"They've been excellent the last few years." said Interim Head Coach
John Yacou. "Taliyah, you can see what she offers on the field. She's good for a goal, at least one every game. Journey has been injured the last two seasons, but her comeback is remarkable given that it was so tough for her to stay in when she was out with a big injury. She's come back with the right attitude and offers a lot on and off the field."
The insurance goal came in the 80th minute when
Telaijah Folkes maneuvered around an Ontario Tech's defender, gaining control of the ball and putting it away to give the Bold their third goal of the game.
Both rookies, Folkes and Fazzari, have been integral parts of the team.
"Both of those names have been excellent," said Yacou. "We depend so much on them because of their ability to go 1v1, their ability to get inside the box, so we look for those two."
The Bold now head into their final game of the season, knowing that they have a spot in the postseason.
"Coach John's tactics got us to the playoffs, and if we continue, I believe we will go far," said Folkes.
The Bold will play the Carleton Ravens on Oct. 10 on the road. Fans can watch the game for free on OUA.tv.
