In a tightly contested matchup, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team emerged victorious over the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold in an exhilarating first-round playoff encounter at Downsview Park.

The game kicked off with both teams displaying intense energy and determination, though the Varsity Blues managed to control the pace of the match. Despite dominating possession throughout much of the first half, Toronto was unable to break through the Bold's staunch defense, leaving the score tied at 0-0 as the halftime whistle blew.

The second half saw much of the same intensity, with both teams vying for the critical opening goal. The Blues persistent attacking efforts were rewarded in the 74th minute when captain Hannah Chown stepped up to deliver a game-changing moment. Setting up a well-positioned free kick, Chown launched the ball into the top corner of net, avoiding the outstretched hands of the Bold keeper, sending the Blues fans into celebration as they took the 1-0 lead. Toronto Metropolitan responded with urgency, pressing forward in search of an equalizer, but Toronto's defense remained resolute.

At the heart of this defensive effort was second-year goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash, who played a pivotal role in the Blues win. Godoy-Atrash made a crucial save in the second half to preserve the shutout.

With this hard-fought victory, the Varsity Blues secure their place in the OUA quarter-finals, where they will meet the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees on Wednesday, October 23. Having already defeated Ottawa earlier in the season, Toronto will look to build on their momentum and replicate that success as they continue their pursuit of OUA glory. The action will be streamed on oua.tv.