By Ethan Clarke

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s soccer team fell 5-0 to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday at Downsview Park. The Gee-Gees dictated the tempo with quick ball movement, aerial play and ruthless press. This loss marks TMU’s 13th straight defeat to Ottawa.

Ottawa struck first in the 18th minute when fourth-year midfielder Élianne Gervais pounced on a loose ball inside the box and was able to finish. 

TMU looked their best late in the first half when they earned a corner and generated a pair of close-range chances in a crowded Ottawa box. A strong header forced fourth-year goalkeeper Juliann Lacasse to make a stop—the Gee-Gees scrambled to clear the ball under pressure. Despite the attacking press, the Bold entered the second half trailing 1-0.

Less than a minute into the second half, first-year forward Vivian Johnson doubled the lead, burying a rebound after a cross created chaos in the Gee-Gees’ box. Ottawa continued to shrink the midfield and turn TMU over, gaining the advantage by stretching the back line, weakening TMU’s defensive coverage. 

In the 71st minute, fifth-year defender Maya Smith, a multi-time Ontario University Athletics All-Star and U SPORTS academic All-Canadian, redirected a long free kick by third-year midfielder Nibo Dlamini to make it 3-0. Fourth-year forward Gracie Somers added a fourth goal in the 89th minute, cutting in from the left and finishing high before first-year Madison Clark capped the scoring in stoppage time from a long ball made by fifth-year defender Tessa Frangione.

Ottawa outshot TMU 13-3. For the Bold, third-year goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci turned aside several dangerous looks while second-year defender Anna Ciumaciova and third-year midfielder Vanessa Pianta broke up multiple rushes, but Ottawa’s pressure kept TMU pinned for long stretches.

UP NEXT: TMU will look to re-group quickly as they host the Nipissing University Lakers on Sept. 28 at Downsview Park. Kick-off is set for 12 p.m.