Marie-Yasmine Alidou netted the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 55th minute as the Montreal Roses secured a 2-0 victory over AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League clash on Sunday. Elyse Bennett contributed her ninth goal of the season to give some breathing space for the Roses, who sit in second place with a record of 9-4-3. This match marked the debut of interim head coach Maryse Bard-Martel for Montreal.
Although Shelina Zadorsky seemed to level the score for Toronto in the 68th minute, her goal was disallowed due to an offside ruling. Roses’ goalkeeper Anna Karpenko put up a stellar performance, facing 20 shots, with nine on target, to earn a clean sheet.
On the opposing side, Toronto’s goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo was tested with seven shots, five of which were on target. The Roses took to the field for the first time following the dismissal of head coach Robert Rositoiu after their unexpected 1-0 defeat against semi-pro team Simcoe County in the W Canadian Championship.