TMU Athletics & Recreation

OTTAWA—Reaching the midway point of the 2026 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) soccer season, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team faced another challenge, taking on the undefeated Ottawa Gee-Gees.

The Gee-Gees, currently ranked at number three in the U SPORTS national rankings, entered the game as the heavy favourites against the Bold. Although TMU has scored in every game so far this season, they were shut out 5-0 on Sunday afternoon.  

Ottawa has always been a challenge for TMU, as the Bold have lost 13 of 14 regular-season games and have scored just four goals. 

From the first kick-off, the Gee-Gees made their presence known. Although TMU did its best to stay on top of things, a quick pass to forward Heidi Miles was headed right past goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci for the Gee-Gees' first goal of the game.

After the ball was reset in the centre of the pitch, the Bold made their way down to Ottawa's half, making lots of through-ball attempts. Unfortunately, none could get past the Gee-Gees' netminder. 

Defender Vanessa Pianta got into a back-and-forth battle with Ottawa attacker Sabrina Mangiaracina, who eventually won and carried the ball up the pitch. The ball grazed Paolucci's fingertips as it sailed over her head and into the net, making it 2-0 for the Gee-Gees.

Just seconds later, another shot attempt from Ottawa was deflected by Bold defender Anna Ciumaciova right into TMU's net, bringing the score to 3-0.

Having scored three goals in five minutes, the Gee-Gees rushed up the pitch once again, sending another one past Bold defenders and Paolucci. Fortunately for the Bold, offside was called, giving them a brief chance to breathe and reset. 

Once the dust had settled, the Bold began to focus on a comeback. In the 21st minute, a foul on the Gee-Gees awarded midfielder Natalie Moynihan a free kick. Despite her best efforts, the kick was bumped away by an Ottawa defender.

Hoping to keep their lead as TMU advanced further into the opponent's half, Ottawa parked the bus. Despite the Bold's best efforts, nobody could get past the Gee-Gees defenders. 

As the halftime whistle blew, TMU walked off the pitch down 3-0. 

Continuing to dominate offensively in the second half, the Gee-Gees caused some mayhem in the 18-yard box, but it was nothing that Pianta couldn't handle. The fourth-year defender made some great challenges to keep the score as it was, eventually helping to clear the ball from the Bold's half.

In all the chaos, Paolucci also made some great saves despite being rushed by Ottawa attackers.

Late in the second half, midfielder Becca Bartosh had great attempts, nearly firing one past the hands of the Gee-Gees' keeper, but defender Clare Sun was able to deflect it away. 

Continuing to apply pressure, Ottawa scored again in the 85th minute, and once more five minutes later, bringing the final score to 5-0.

A notable absence for the Bold in today's game was striker Taylor Fazzari. Fazzari was shown a red card during last Saturday's game against the Trent Excalibur, making her ineligible to play. Fazzari is expected to return in TMU's next game. 

Up next, the Bold head home to take on the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. and admission is feee.