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Ottawa 1-2 Montreal: Roses’ Rapid Response Gives Them Win
By Having started the Northern Super League in blistering fashion, Montreal Roses is picking up wins again. The league leaders earned a 2-1 victory in the nation’s capital against Ottawa Rapid.
A few days after losing 2-1 to the Halifax Tide out east, coach Katrine Pedersen made three changes to her starting eleven. Mollie Eriksson, Desiree Scott, and Jylissa Harris all came into the side as they searched for their fourth win on the year.
For Montreal, who prevailed 2-0 over Vancouver Rise last time out, they had just one adjustment to their starting lineup. In came Jodi Smith for Lara Schenk.
It took Ottawa four minutes to get the opening chance of the match. Delanie Baie Pridham, who leads the league in scoring, had an effort which was denied by Anna Karpenko.
The Roses got on the board in the 24th minute. Stealing the ball in the middle of the park, the guests went the other way, with Charlotte Bilbault’s whiffed effort falling to Latifah Abdu. Montreal’s number 99 made no mistake in slotting her shot into the bottom corner.
Things got worse for the hosts minutes later. Olivia Scott had a bad touch, losing possession. In trying to win back the ball, she tripped and took down her marker. The referee took a moment before brandishing the first-ever red card in Northern Super League history to the Rapid defender.
That gave the Roses momentum for the rest of the half, as they looked the more confident side. However, they failed to truly test Eriksson for the remainder of the half.
The second half saw Ottawa come out more dangerous, despite being down a player. They were rewarded as the game reached the hour mark. Choo Hyojoo’s free kick found Pridham, who nodded it past Karpenko to tie the game at one goal apiece.
Unfortunately for the fans at TD Place, Montreal found their rhythm again and retook the lead. A lovely flick from Abdu sent Smith in. With the Rapid defense out of position, Smith was able to find Tanya Boychuk, who converted from close range.
The Rapid had their best chance to score again 14 minutes from time. After winning back the ball in their attacking third, Pridham was played through, but her attempt was thwarted by Karpenko.
From there, the away team was able to keep their composure and held on for the win. Montreal’s back-to-back victories has them now on 17 points, four ahead of AFC Toronto. Next for the Quebecois side is a trip to the west coast for next Sunday’s clash with the Rise.
As for Ottawa, who remains on 11 points after losing their last two, they will remain at home for next Saturday’s meeting with the Calgary Wild.
