The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team opened their season with a strong 3-1 win over the visiting York Lions on Thursday (Aug. 21) night at Varsity Stadium.

With a large group of returning players, the Blues are looking to get back into the playoffs following a 7-4-3 (W-L-T) regular season in 2024, resulting in a quarter-final playoff berth.

The Blues and Lions kept each other in check throughout the first half, concluding the first 45 minutes of play in a scoreless draw. York had a 6-2 edge in shots, but Blues keeper Maria Godoy-Atrash turned aside the two that made it to the net.

York upped the pressure in the second half and broke the scoreless tie on a goal off of a turnover in the Blues end of the pitch at 58'. Toronto responded well, tying the game up at 74' on a goal by Hannah Anderson. Keeping their foot on the gas, the Blues forced a York foul that resulted in a penalty kick for Hannah Chown, who made no mistake to give the Blues their first lead of the match at 77'. Toronto added an insurance marker with just three minutes to play as Anne Yeomans finished off a strong game with a goal of her own on her third shot on net of the evening.

The Blues have one more preseason game remaining on their calendar, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24 against the McMaster Marauders at Varsity Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tickets are free for students and available at varsityblues.ca/tickets.