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After last year’s result, it’s understandable to see why Les Rouges would be eager to see the Blazers in the final again.
“We watched their semi-final,” said Les Rouges head coach Justin Légaré about their plans for the final. “Our game is a very structured game and it’s very collective…that was our game plan, move the ball quick, get up field and get a high scoring rate.”
Sunday afternoon’s title game at Red River College saw Les Rouges de Université de St. Boniface defeat the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers 3-1 to give Les Rouges their first women’s futsal championship.
This year was a much different story from last year where roles were reversed and the Blazers defeated Les Rouges 5-2 to capture their first futsal title.
The game started out slow, with USB limiting CMU to only three shots on goal in the first half. Eight minutes into the game, Les Rouges forward Annick Riet got in great position in front of the net and put the game’s first goal past Blazers’ keeper Lydia Balsille.
Les Rouges kept true to their game plan, dominating possession in both halves. Les Rouges were methodical in their build up, looking for the best possible chances.
What was most impressive for Les Rouges, however, was the play of their goalkeeper, and Finals MVP, Daneige Edey.
“(Edey) played incredible,” Légaré said of his keeper’s performance. “She has been working really hard, even without the team. She did some extra work and it’s paid off. She showed some really brave saves today. Stopping Camille (Plett) is not easy, one of the most dominant players we’ve seen in the MCAC, and she did a great job.”
Edey made a fantastic save near the end of the first half to keep CMU scoreless. It wasn’t until 10 minutes left in the game that Plett put CMU on the scoreboard after finishing a beautiful give-and-go with All-Conference teammate Marijka Yaschysyn.
“I feel really proud about my performance today,” Edey said. “I had a really good game, and I got those touches on the ball that needed to happen. I did concede one goal…and I’m ok with that. It’s the right attitude you have to have when that happens, and I’m thankful for that.”
With CMU struggling to generate any form of consistent offense in the second half, USB capitalized. Annick Riet scored her second goal of the match, this time off a corner kick.
After CMU scored in the second half to make it 2-1 for USB, Les Rouges answered again. Mylène Chabot connected with a Katie Moniot kick-in to get the game’s last goal.
The Blazers fought hard until the final whistle, getting one incredible scoring chance before the end of the game. Marijka Yaschyshyn saw her effort get past Edey, but it rattled against the inside of the upright and bounced out.
