TMU Athletics & Recreation

OSHAWA, Ont.—Continuing their opening weekend on the road, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team took on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Sunday afternoon. 

It was a hard-fought effort for both teams, one that would end in a 1-1 draw. 

After winning in their home opener yesterday, the Ridgebacks kept their momentum strong. Just six minutes and 34 seconds into the match, Ontario Tech scored on a play that just got by the hands of goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci.

Up by a goal early into the match, the Ridgebacks let the action move into their half of the pitch. The Bold established a dominant presence, disrupting Ontario Tech's defensive rhythm and earning multiple corner kicks.

Despite some great kicks from midfielder Natalie Moynihan, none were able to find the back of the net. As TMU continued to increase the pressure in the Ridgebacks' half, midfielder Jazz Dev had two great shots, including a header that was just barely saved by the Ontario Tech netminder.

As the first half began to wind down, the Bold drew three fouls just before the clock ran out. 

Heading into halftime with a one-goal deficit, TMU hoped to capitalize on their offensive pressure. In the first 45 minutes, the Bold had taken four shots and seven corner kicks and drawn five fouls. Defensively, TMU was stellar in the first half, holding Ontario Tech to just one shot. 

Entering the back half of the match, the Bold drew another two fouls. 

In the 54th minute, an Ontario Tech midfielder received a yellow card. Just seconds later, Moynihan had clear sight of the net and took a shot, which was stopped by the Ridgebacks' goalkeeper.

Both TMU and Ontario Tech made substitutions around the 60th minute. One of the Ridgebacks' substitutions would draw a yellow card just 20 minutes later, Ontario Tech's second of the match.

With roughly five minutes left in the match, time was running out for the Bold to even the score. Then came Becca Bartosh.

Bartosh danced around Ontario Tech's defenders, lining up a clear shot that was narrowly blocked by the keeper.

Just a minute later, Bartosh received an incoming pass, burying it into the top corner of the net in a stunning goal to get TMU on the board.

As the clock ticked, both teams traded possession heading into the final minutes of regulation. With the little additional time they had, the Ridgebacks took two final shots. Paolucci had excellent reads on both, grabbing hold to keep the final score at 1-1.

The Bold will head to Downsview Park next weekend to take on the Nipissing Lakers in their home opener.

Game time is set for 12:00 p.m. Students can attend for free with their OneCards.