Montreal Roses secured the Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield on Friday at Stade Boréale, defeating the Ottawa Rapid 1–0 in their regular-season finale to finish atop the standings, ici.radio-canada.ca reported.
Substitute Tanya Boychuk scored the game’s only goal in the 80th minute, breaking a scoreless deadlock after receiving a pass from Mimi Alidou and rounding the Ottawa goalkeeper to finish from a tight angle.
“We’ve been waiting for this for two years,” Ukrainian forward Tanya Boychuk said after the match. “It’s an honor and it’s historic for our team.”
The victory gave Montreal a final total of 45 points from 25 matches, leaving them five points clear of Ottawa, who entered the fixture needing a victory to claim the title.
“It’s the result of all the work we’ve put in since last year,” defender Mégane Sauvé said. “We have a clear identity, we know where we’re going, and I think that shows on the pitch.”
Montreal co-owner Isabèle Chevalier highlighted the milestone for the franchise during post-match celebrations on the home turf.
“To arrive with this first trophy in such a short time is truly wonderful,” Isabèle Chevalier said. “It’s only a step, but we still give ourselves the right to celebrate frankly, because it demonstrates consistency over a whole season.”
Head coach Maryse Bard-Martel pointed to the squad’s execution under pressure during the tightly contested battle.
“I think today we showed a complete performance from A to Z,” Maryse Bard-Martel said. “We talked about being decisive in key moments, and that’s what we did today.”
The Montreal Roses advanced to the Northern Super League final after securing a draw against Vancouver Rise FC at Stade Boréale, following a 3-0 victory in Vancouver on November 1, 9.85 FM reported.
“We want to win everything, we want all the trophies. The more trophies there are, the more we want victories. We are competitors,” midfielder Charlotte Bilbault said. “I think it’s a confidence boost to know we’re the team to beat.”
Montreal will face AFC Toronto in the championship match scheduled for November 14 in Ottawa, according to 9.85 FM.
The weekend also brought victories for other Quebec sports franchises, as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, keeping alive their hopes of capturing the ninth Grey Cup in franchise history ahead of a November 15 matchup against the Edmonton Elks, and the Montreal Canadiens earned a 4–2 road win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, 9.85 FM reported.
