By Jonathan Reynoso and Victoria Cha

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s soccer team ended what was a tough hearted battle against the University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues in a bitter 3-3 draw on Sunday afternoon. 

The Bold return to their home turf after being on the road for their last three games, in which they went 2-1.  

Downsview Park saw a strong start for the Bold, with the team putting early pressure on their city rivals. 

TMU was dominant to start, finding their way onto the scoreboard six minutes into the match. Fourth-year forward Taliyah Walker received a pass from second-year midfielder Mera Saleh and sent a right-foot finish past third-year U of T goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash.

Finding another scoring opportunity, a through ball was sent to the right side of the field where it was met by first-year forward Telaijah Folkes. Her goal attempt, however, was stopped by Godoy-Atrash. 

U of T’s goalkeeper wasn’t the only one staying alert. Third-year TMU goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci was ready to guard her net, racing to the ball, punching it out of her zone before the Blues could capitalize on the possession. 

Well into the first half, Folkes managed to steal the ball from her opponents, bringing it all the way to the Blues’ goalpost finding fourth-year forward Aalayah Lully who ended its journey at the back of the net. 

It wasn’t until the 46th minute that the Blues made an impact. Fifth-year forward Anne Yeomans found her way through the Bold defence and past Paolucci, scoring U of T’s first goal of the game. The Bold didn’t let their opponent celebrate their goal for long, though. 

Less than a minute later, first-year forward Taylor Fazzari rifled the ball into the top right corner of the Blues’ net off a volley. TMU’s ability to create deflections, thwart chances and finish possessions allowed them to balloon to a 3-1 lead, bursting any momentum UofT had going into the half.

The second half didn’t see much from either side of the field, with both teams trading possession of the ball.

TMU seemed to be losing their momentum, with hastiness and impatience leading to multiple failed goal attempts.

As the game went on and the Bold’s victory seemed promised, U of T decided that it wasn’t the end for them.

In the 96th minute, the Blues turned up the heat, Yeomans came back and buried the ball at the back of TMU’s net. Seconds later, first-year midfielder Amelia Racicot did the same, knotting the game at 3-3. It seemed the Bolds’ defence had turned off and couldn’t fight back anymore. 

With a few minutes left of the match, no hail mary efforts could be made to bring a win home. What was a dominating game ended in a lukewarm tie.

UP NEXT: The Bold have a second chance to defeat the Blues in a rematch on Sept. 19 at Varsity Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:15 p.m.