KINGSTON, Ont. (Nov. 10, 2023) – The Trinity Western Spartans topped the Laval Rouge et Or 3-0 in the second semifinal at the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship Friday, setting up an all-Canada West championship showdown.
The first half was played scoreless, with both teams playing tight defence throughout, and the goalkeepers handling the chances that got through. The best chance of the half went to Laval, when Karyna Fiset hit the goal post on a strong free kick.
The offence picked up in the second half, with both teams trading strong scoring chances early on after the interval.
Trinity Western took control of the game with two great plays off corner kicks just minutes apart. First, Maddie Melnychuk would gather the loose ball from a corner and find the back of the net to open the scoring in the 58th minute. Just two minutes later, Danielle Copper headed the ball in from an Erin Stewart corner kick to double the Spartans' lead.
The Rouge et Or responded with a strong offensive push, but couldn't solve the Spartans' defence or goalkeeper Hannah Miller.
Charity Field would increase Trinity Western's lead further with a goal in the 80th minute and the Spartans held on the rest of the way for the three-goal win.
With the win, the Spartans ensured a rematch of the Canada West Championship game against the UBC Thunderbirds, this time with the Gladys Bean Memorial Trophy on the line, Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern.
Laval will also face a familiar opponent with a national medal on the line, as they will face the Montreal Carabins Saturday at 12:30 pm in the Bronze Medal Game.
Nike Team Players of the Game
- Trinity Western: Tilly James
- Laval: Elsa Lessard