TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team made a short subway trip to face the No. 7 nationally ranked University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues. They defeated U of T 2-1, handing the Varsity Blues their first loss of the OUA regular season. Bold forward
Taylor Fazzari led the charge for TMU, producing two goals.
The sunny evening matchup at Varsity Stadium was an opportunity for the Bold to find redemption against their cross-city rivals. In their last contest at Downsview Park, the Varsity Blues netted two late goals in stoppage time, costing the Bold two points as the teams battled to a 3-3 draw.
Beginning in the first half, physicality was at the forefront of both teams' play. The Bold prioritized their offensive drive, finding themselves in scoring position frequently. The intensity resulted in foul-filled play for both parties, both fighting to be the first to score.
After a deadlocked first 37 minutes of play, Bold midfielder
Taliyah Walker earned a penalty, which Fazzari converted to give TMU a 1-0 lead.
In the 45th minute, leveraging off her energy, Fazzari headed the ball into the bottom corner, assisted by
Telaijah Folkes, pushing the Bold's lead to 2-0 at halftime.
"Honestly, I am so extremely proud of myself for how today went," said Fazzari. "I had the mentality of 'We need this more than anything', to go in with the confidence that was needed to take on this win."
The intensity of the game continued into the second half, but Bold goaltender
Elisa Paolucci made a strong impact between the posts. Her leadership presence on the field was evident, as she helped to uplift teammates and give pointers.
"I feel like my communication is a huge part of our team. If I can communicate to my back line and to my midfielders, they know I'm there behind them and supporting them," said Paolucci.
The fouls persisted between the two teams. Between staggered spurts, Hannah Chown of the Varsity Blues scored in the 86th minute, making it a 2-1 game.
Eager to maintain their lead, the Bold continued to fight hard, finding ways to get the ball out of their defensive zone.
"Our message is just keep your head in the game and worry about what you can control and don't worry about what you can't control," said Bold Head Coach
John Yacou.
TMU ended up securing the win, upsetting U of T 2-1, striking back on enemy turf.
Yacou was impressed with the team's caliber of play: "I'm just extremely proud of the girls on the way they competed, knowing that the second half was gonna be so tough and it feels good because they put the work in so the reward is there."
Reflecting on beating a nationally ranked team, Fazzari exclaimed, "I honestly feel that we deserve a nationally ranked spot for sure with all the hard work that we've been putting in, with the results that we've been putting out."
The Bold will make their way to Oshawa, Ont. Sunday, Sept. 21, to face the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. Game time at Vaso's Field is set for 1:00 p.m. and can be viewed online on OUA.tv.
