TORONTO —The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team produced an impressive feat, holding the first-place team in the OUA East to a 1-1 draw. Facing the No. 5 nationally ranked Nipissing Lakers, this level finish helps the Bold in their pursuit of an OUA playoff berth. 

The Bold arrived at Downsview eager to end their weekend at home on a high note after falling short against the No. 6 nationally ranked University of Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday. 

Embracing the challenge against the Lakers, the Bold hit the pitch with one key objective, to achieve an early lead. The first half was give-and-take, both squads attempting advances but getting cut off short. 

With the confidence of the national ranking on their backs, Nipissing played with intensity. Bold goal keeper Elisa Paolucci denied the opposition, making several key saves. 

First-year Bold standout Taylor Fazzari didn't disappoint on the pitch, weaving through the Lakers to score a goal in the 25th minute. TMU continued to hold down the field defensively, maintaining their 1-0 lead until halftime. 

"This was a big win for us. We definitely worked as hard as we possibly could," said Fazzari. "Knowing that they were nationally ranked, people expected us to not get the results that we did, but we definitely pushed ourselves to the limit."

Beginning the second frame, the Bold had a few close looks. TMU's Taliyah Walker made an attempt, but couldn't finish. 

Reflecting on her mentality going into the challenging contest, Walker said, "Coming into it, we know they're fifth in the country, that doesn't really scare us. We know we're good, and we know that we can compete."

Feeling the pressure of TMU's lead, the Lakers began to take command of the game. The ball was consistently in TMU's quarters, but Paolucci blocked back-to-back chances from the Lakers, pushing to maintain the Bold's lead. 

In the 72nd minute, after a foul committed by TMU for playing on the ground, Nipissing capitalized on an indirect free kick, evening the score 1-1. This unanticipated goal amped up tensions on the pitch, and both teams hoped to secure the game-winning goal in the final minutes. 

The Bold's defensive core stepped up in the final minutes, preventing a Lakers goal. TMU's Vanessa Pianta made a late key block and both teams left with a point, 1-1.  

Interim Head Coach John Yacou was pleased with how the team stepped up to the difficult match, "It just allows them to see that regardless of being fifth in the nation, sixth in the nation, when they commit to being together and fighting they can win." 

The Bold will take a week-long hiatus before hosting the Laurentian Voyageurs on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Yacou looks forward to the short break sharing their objectives, "The plan is just to keep it as light as possible because we put so much energy in. Now it's just time to maintain what we've been doing here." 

Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Downsview Park. Admission to the contest is free.