Marie-Yasmine Alidou netted the decisive goal from a penalty kick in the 55th minute, propelling the Montreal Roses to a 2-0 victory over AFC Toronto in Northern Super League competition on Sunday. Elyse Bennett, scoring her ninth goal of the season, provided additional cushion for the Roses, who secured the win in their first match under interim head coach Maryse Bard-Martel. Despite Shelina Zadorsky seemingly equalizing for Toronto in the 68th minute, her goal was disallowed due to an offside ruling.
Roses’ goalkeeper Anna Karpenko was put to the test, facing a total of 20 shots, including nine on target, to secure a clean sheet. On the opposing side, Toronto’s keeper Sabrina D’Angelo faced seven shots, five of which were on target.
This victory marked the Roses’ first game following the dismissal of head coach Robert Rositoiu, who was let go after a shocking 1-0 defeat against semi-pro outfit Simcoe County in the W Canadian Championship.