The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team opened their 2025 OUA regular season campaign with a 2-0 shutout of the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in Oshawa on Friday night (Aug. 29).

U of T were dominant in possession throughout the 90 minute contest controlling the pace of play. Starting fast, the Blues applied plenty of pressure early, keeping the ball in the Ridgebacks end. This pressure resulted in a key corner kick opportunity which Toronto was able to capitalize on to score the opening goal of the match. Stepping to the corner kick, second-year midfielder Julia Cristovao delivered a long ball into the box which was mishandled by the Ontario Tech defence. Fifth-year defender Bryanna Campbell pounced on the loose ball, tipping it in to record her first goal as a Varsity Blue and secure a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute.

Campbell not only contributed on the scoresheet but also as a key defender alongside fellow fifth-year veteran Hannah Chown. Together the duo were able to shut down a majority of Ridgebacks runs, while also kick-starting Varsity Blues transitions. The crisp first pass led to more as Toronto maintained good shape and spacing.

As the pace of play slowed down, Ontario Tech tried to sprint down the sideline for an opportunity on goal right before halftime. Taking a chance from beyond the 18-yard box, third-year Varsity Blues keeper Maria Godoy-Atrash was up to the test as a leap and outstretched finger tipped the ball over the top bar to maintain the one goal lead for U of T at the break. Following the half, Godoy-Atrash would again be tested as the Ridgebacks earned a number of corner kick chances. Godoy-Atrash would deliver several punch saves registering five total in the clean sheet effort.

Adding to the Blues lead in the 67th minute, Cristovao delivered an insurance marker after taking advantage of another Ontario Tech mishap. With a long ball sent towards the net, Cristovao applied pressure on both the Ridgebacks keeper and defence forcing some confusion near the Ontario Tech net. With another loose ball chance, Cristovao was clinical with the finish marking a third career goal to begin her sophomore season.

U of T now return to Varsity Stadium for their home opener. The Blues welcome the Carleton Ravens to Toronto on Sunday (Aug. 31) with kick-off scheduled for 1 p.m. All Varsity Blues home soccer games will be streamed on oua.tv, while tickets to see the action live on Bloor Street are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students can redeem free tickets for every Varsity Blues home game online.