The Montreal Roses opened their final training session at Stade Boréale in Laval this Wednesday before departing for Calgary, marking the start of their second year in the Northern Super League.
Following a fourth-place finish in their inaugural campaign and a semifinal loss to Toronto, the team enters the 2026 season with clear ambitions to challenge for the league title.
The club has focused on building a more experienced roster, adding international talent and depth to improve upon last year’s 31-goal performance across 27 matches. “We have a solid group,” said sporting director Marinette Pichon. “We know that if we are spared from injuries, we can do great things.”
Roses Recruit Pechersky and Bennett to Boost Offensive Intensity
To address the offensive struggles that saw them trail league leaders in scoring last season, the Roses have recruited midfielder Lisa Pechersky and forward Elyse Bennett. Pichon said that the goal is to increase technical quality and intensity, moving away from a possession-based style that occasionally lacked penetration in the final third.
Captain Mégane Sauvé emphasized a change in mindset for the upcoming matches, calling for more direct play near the opponent’s goal. “Last year, we tried to find the perfect pass,” Sauvé explained. “Now, we just want to put the ball in the net, no matter how. We want to be capable of scoring in the scramble of the penalty area.”
Sauvé specifically highlighted the addition of Pechersky, who claimed the Northern Super League title with the Vancouver Rise in 2025. “I find her impressive, and I didn’t always like facing her last year, so I am happy she is with us,” Sauvé said.
Integration of Evelyn Badu
The Roses officially added Ghanaian international Evelyn Badu to the roster on January 28. Her arrival in Canada was delayed due to administrative immigration processes, but the 23-year-old midfielder is expected to join the squad this Thursday.
Head coach Robert Rositoiu indicated that Badu could potentially see action as early as the team’s home opener on May 2. “I am convinced she will integrate well into the group,” Rositoiu said. “We will see how she settles in and how she responds to the changes.”
Anna Karpenko Starts as Goalkeeper for 2026 Season
The club has confirmed that Anna Karpenko will serve as the starting goalkeeper for the 2026 season, supported by Gabrielle Lambert and Anne-Marie Laroche. Despite some inconsistencies during the previous campaign, the coaching staff has expressed full confidence in Karpenko’s potential.
Rositoiu emphasized the importance of the entire 24-player roster, noting that the depth of the squad will be vital to the team’s success throughout the season. “For us, being a starter is a privilege, but it is also a privilege to be part of the 18-player match-day formation because a player who starts on the bench can win us a game,” Rositoiu said.
The Montreal Roses begin their 2026 campaign on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. EDT in Calgary. Following that road match, the team will return home to face the defending champions, the Vancouver Rise, on May 2.
Worth a look
