In a scenario identical to the provincial final against the Carabins of the University of Montreal, the Rouge et Or of Laval University began the Canadian women’s soccer championship by winning their first match in a shootout, Thursday in Halifax.
For a second consecutive match, goalkeeper Anne-Marie Laroche saved the day in the 1-0 victory against the Western Trinity Spartans.
On the 5th penalty shot, the Rouge et Or trailed 4-3, but Laroche stood up to the shooter of the bronze medalists in the West. Megan Darchen tied the game.
After another save from Laroche, Mathilde Lachance settled the debate by scoring the winning goal. The Rouge et Or thus advance to the semi-final against the Ottawa Gee Gees who eliminated the Victoria Vikes by a score of 5-0. The match will take place Friday afternoon.
“We accept the scenario, but we would like to win more easily,” summarized head coach David Desloges with a smile. It’s stressful. Like in Montreal, Anne-Marie kept us in the game.”
Victory with a vengeance
In addition to opening the doors to the final four, this victory had a special flavor for the Rouge et Or. “We took our revenge when Trinity Western beat us in the semi-final last year to make us suffer our only defeat of the year, underlined Desloges. This defeat went sideways as we gave up two goals in three minutes on corner kicks. It’s one of their strengths and we negotiated this aspect well this time.”
The Rouge et Or defense has only allowed one goal in its last three games. “During the season, we gave a lot of goals, but we tightened up our defense, explained Desloges. Goals are hard to buy in the playoffs and that gives us a chance to win every game.”
Still energy
Will the Rouge et Or have time to recover before facing the Ontario champions who had a very easy first match? “Except at the national level, we don’t play two games in two days during the season, but we have the resources to return,” assured Desloges. The girls have been through this before and they will have time to recover. We are able to perform more intensely and bounce back stronger. I am confident.”
The Rouge et Or and the Gee Gees cross swords once a year during the domestic season since Ottawa plays in the RSEQ. “We know them,” Desloges said, “and we know that it’s a very good team with several dangerous girls.”
