USB Les Rouges wins fourth consecutive title with 7-0 victory over Brandon Bobcats at 2023 MCAC Women’s Futsal Championship Final
Four in a row! At the 2023 MCAC Women's Futsal Championship, hosted by Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, had the top two seeds Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges and Brandon University (BU) Bobcats matched up in the Championship Final on February 19 and USB were victorious by a 7-0 shutout result.
#1 USB Les Rouges vs. #2 BU Bobcats
Another year and another successful conference championship run by USB Les Rouges as they defended their futsal title and won for a fourth consecutive time (2019, 2020, 2022 and now 2023).
"This almost seemed easier this year as the team put in the work all year to get to this moment," stated USB's head coach Justin Légaré. "We peaked at the right time as we worked hard. It showed today as it is difficult to shutout a team in a championship final."
The top seed jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead only a minute in. USB added another in quick order and by the 15 minute mark when Marijka Yaschyshyn powered home a third tally for Les Rouges (7-0-1 regular season record; 2-0 playoffs), the champs kept pouring it on in the first half. Goals scorers were also Stéphanie Jones twice, Tara Boulanger, Sydney Rudnicki, Mylène Chabot for a 6-0 lead at half
In the last 25 minutes, USB continued to press and stifle Brandon with another defensive gem and earned their fifth consecutive shutout this year. 2023 Player of the Year Katie Moniot added the seventh goal late to finish the scoring.
Championship MVP was Les Rouges fourth year forward Sara Boissonneault. She has been part of three of last four championship titles and exclaimed, "This team is family. We have continued to work throughout the last four years and in the big games have found a way to win. I was not expecting the MVP honour and could not end my MCAC career on a better not. Very happy with this championship and being part of this group."
For the Bobcats (6-0-2 regular season; 1-1 playoffs), they had a couple chances in the second half but could not find a goal. BU's head coach Diego Rodriguez Sr. commented on the team's journey in 2023, "We started the year with low expectations and we took it step-by-step. The team kept getting better during the season. I am very proud of the effort against a tough opponent today and throughout the season.
Légaré summed up this season and the last four championships, "Crazy as my last year. My perspective is that it is not easy to win championships. Arguably this maybe the best MCAC team over the past years but I'll leave that to others to judge. I am so proud of the whole program and to win again."
2023 MCAC Women's Futsal Championship
Hosted by: Canadian Mennonite University (CMU); Central Time listed
Saturday, February 18
11 a.m. Semi Final: #1 USB Les Rouges 8 #4 CMU Blazers 0
12:45 p.m. Semi Final: #2 BU Bobcats 8 #3 PUC Pilots 5
Sunday, February 19
12:45 p.m. Women's Championship Final: #1 USB Les Rouges 7 #2 BU Bobcats 0