TORONTO—After back-to-back OUA playoff appearances, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team enters the 2026 season with a clear objective: push to the next step.

The Bold finished the 2025 season with a 5-5-2 record, placing sixth in the OUA East and earning a spot in the postseason for the second consecutive year. Their playoff run came to an abrupt end in the opening round, however, with a 5-2 loss to the Nipissing University Lakers. 

Now, with a core that has gained valuable OUA experience, the Bold are looking for a deeper playoff run. The road to that goal begins this weekend with a cross-city battle against the reigning OUA champions, the University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues.

While U of T enters the season on a high from last year's championship campaign, TMU has shown in the past that they can compete with the Varsity Blues. The teams played to a 3-3 draw at Downsview Park last season before TMU produced a 2-1 upset victory later in the season at Varsity Stadium.

It was forward Taylor Fazzari who played a starring role in that victory, scoring both of the Bold's goals.

Fazzari enters her sophomore year as one of the Bold's leading offensive threats following a standout 2025 rookie season. The forward appeared in all 13 matches last season, scoring seven goals and earning OUA East Division Rookie of the Year and U SPORTS All-Rookie Team honours.

After making an immediate impact with TMU, Fazzari will look to build on that success with a year of OUA experience behind her.

"I'm approaching my second year with the mindset of getting better every day," said Fazzari. "I want to build on the confidence and experience I gained in my first season while becoming more consistent and taking on a bigger role."

Fazzari is part of the former young Bold core that has now moved beyond its early developmental years in the OUA. With last year's successful season under their belts, the group will be tasked with taking on greater responsibility and expectations in 2026. 

Joining Fazzari in the front line is third-year forward Natalie Moynihan, the 2024-25 TMSU Female Rookie of the Year and a 2026 and 2025 OUA East second-team all-star.

The free-kick specialist appeared in all 13 matches last season, scoring three goals. She became just the third player in program history to earn OUA all-star recognition in consecutive seasons.

Now entering her third season with the blue and gold, Moynihan will look to provide leadership on the front line. She attests her off-season objectives she set helped her prepare for this upcoming season.

"Playing throughout the summer at a higher level allowed me to improve and step up as a leader on the team in a brand new division, which helped me transition into picking up a lot of the responsibilities going into this season," said Moynihan.

Anchoring the midfield will be third-years Mera Saleh and Isabella Langeli. 

Saleh had a breakout 2025 campaign, posting a career-high of three goals and one assist on eight shots. Saleh produced in key moments throughout the season, scoring the game-winning goal in a 4-2 victory over the Trent Excalibur and the opening goal in the Bold's first-round playoff match against Nipissing.

Langeli, who started in 10 matches last season, will look to use her growing experience to her advantage in the midfield.

Behind them, the Bold's defensive core enters the 2026 season with a strong mix of veteran leadership and developing talent. Fourth-years Amanda Rankin and Vanessa Pianta will bring their expertise and agility to the backline, while third-years Reilly Flesher and Anna Ciumaciova will continue to establish themselves as key contributors.

That senior leadership will extend into the goal, where goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci returns for her fourth season with the Bold. 

"Going into my fourth year, I want to focus on using that experience to help bring our group together and create an environment where everyone feels confident in their role," said Paolucci. "We have a really exciting group this year, and for me, it's about holding ourselves to a high standard, supporting each other through the highs and lows, and making sure we're all working toward the same goal."

Paolucci appeared in all 13 matches last season, starting in 12, and recorded a career-high 55 saves. She was particularly strong under pressure, making a season-high 12 saves in the Bold's first-round playoff match against the Lakers.

One of her key roles last season was executing team communication and serving as a leading voice on the field. Paolucci looks to continue that this season with an evolved approach. 
"As a goalkeeper, communication has always been a big part of my role, especially with organizing and supporting the back line, but I've learned that leadership is about a lot more than just being vocal on the field," said Paolucci. "It's also about understanding what different teammates need from me, leading by example, and being someone they know they can rely on."

With senior players returning across the pitch and a bright young core that has matured through OUA experience, the Bold hope to enter 2026 with momentum, ready to resolve unfinished business. 

Their OUA regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Varsity Stadium in Toronto. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m., catch all the LIVE action on OUA.tv.