TORONTO—On a bright but cloudy blue-sky day, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team arrived at Downsview Park sporting pink shirts and pink hair accessories, ready to step onto the pitch and to play for something bigger than themselves.
The Bold defeated the Carleton Ravens 3-1 during their annual Think Pink game on Sunday. The team set a goal to raise $5,000 by the end of October in support of breast cancer research for the Canadian Cancer Society. This match meant a lot for the members of the Bold in reflection of the many affected by breast cancer.
"It puts things in perspective," said
Reilly Flesher. "Sure we can suffer on the field, but there is real suffering that goes on in the world. We just know that we're playing for something different and our suffering on the field is small in comparison."
Hannah Duncan shared a similar sentiment about the Think Pink game.
"For me it makes you work harder and run faster in the sense that you are fighting for something bigger than yourself and your team," said Duncan.
TMU stepped back onto the pitch aiming to recover after falling 2-1 to the RMC Paladins on Oct. 3. Today, the Bold bounced back to claim a much-needed victory.
The game started with urgency from both teams in a race to score the first goal. Each side had early attempts defused, with the Bold applying enough defensive pressure to stop the Ravens before anything could materialize.
For the first 20 minutes, it was a quick-touch, back-and-forth game with frequent turnovers through the middle. The Ravens managed to get deep into opposing territory, sending dangerous cross-in passes during moments when the Bold left gaps in front of the net.
However, both
Natalie Moynihan—who cleared a rushed ball from Carleton—and
Elisa Paolucci—who made solid ball captures in net—warded off the Ravens' attempts to find the back of the net.
Off a left corner kick in the 40th minute, Carleton got the edge with a pass to the centre that was knocked in by a Raven, just outside of Paolucci's reach.
It was in extra time when the Bold evened the score. In the 45+3rd minute, Moynihan found the equalizer to send TMU into the break on a high note.
The first half ended 1-1, leaving the Bold in high spirits for what was to come in the rest of the match.
The start of the second half maintained a fast pace as both teams pushed forward. The Ravens had a few close chances, but a great slide from
Vanessa Pianta and saves amidst chaos in front of the net prevented Carleton from taking the lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
The Bold took the lead eight minutes into the second half. Ravens goalkeeper Tyler Dukart rushed forward to capture a loose ball from
Jazz Dev who brought it upfield. Dukart was unable to secure the ball, prompting Duncan to roll it into the open net.
"We had more composure than we've had in the last few games," said head coach
John Yacou. "We took care of the ball much better."
With Carleton losing some of its earlier momentum, TMU pushed ahead once again. Moynihan sent a well-placed free kick right into the Ravens' box, allowing Flesher to hammer the ball home in the 74th minute.
"It's always fun for a defender to score," said Flesher, "It was rewarding and honestly, shout out to the amazing balls going into the box all game."
The Bold maintained their composure down the stretch, securing a 3-1 final score.
Up next, the Bold will play the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday, Oct. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Downsview Park, and fans can attend the game for free.
