The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a 2-1 win over the TMU Bold on Saturday (Aug.29) afternoon at Varsity Stadium.
An 87
th minute goal from third-year forward Noami Atem was the difference maker as U of T earned three points in the standings on home turf.
The Blue and White were able to set the tone early in the match, opening the scoring in the 13
th minute. After third-year midfielder Kimee Liu's initial shot was stopped by TMU goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci, fellow Blues third-year midfielder Emilija Lucic capitalized on the rebound, storming through the box firing a shot past a diving Paolucci, giving Toronto an early advantage.
As the two teams traded scoring chances, TMU's Mera Saleh notched an equalizer in the 29
th minute. As the first half carried on the downtown Toronto rivals looked for an equalizer. A late U of T chances in the half nearly broke the deadlock but the two sides went into halftime at an equal level.
Intensity continued to ramp up in the second half with the two sides trading quality scoring chances. In the defensive zone, U of T held the fort, giving up zero shots on goal and forcing the ball out of bounds when TMU pressed and moving the ball effectively out of harm's way. Offensively, Toronto earned three corners as they continued to test Paolucci.
Relentless on the attack, the Blues earned a late corner. With chaos happening in the box, Liu's corner connected with a header from Atem, sending Varsity Stadium into a frenzy with the game-winning goal. As time ticked on, a strong defensive performance fended off a push from the Bold as U of T found themselves in the win column in their first match of 2026.
The home stand continues for the Varsity Blues as they'll now turn their attention to Saturday (Sept. 5) afternoon when they host the Queen's Gaels at Varsity Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m., with tickets available at
varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be live streamed on
oua.tv.
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