HAMILTON, Ont. – On Thursday evening, the 7th-seeded McMaster Marauders faced the #2-seeded Montréal Carabins in the quarterfinal of the U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship. Although acknowledging the challenge of the match ahead, the Marauders were looking to use their home-field advantage to power their way into the semifinals.

On the day before their 2025 U SPORTS debut, Marauder team captains Sara Vogel (Waterdown, Ont.) and Jade Abreo (Mississauga, Ont.) spoke with the media. Both acknowledged the pre-game nerves, but Vogel noted that excitement was the dominant feeling in the locker room. "I think everyone's feeling pretty excited," said Vogel. Abreo echoed the sentiment, adding, "We've never had a chance to play against the best seven teams in the country. I think it's really exciting for us and a big opportunity to grow the program."

The Marauders had been waiting for an opportunity like this and spent months preparing for it. Abreo believed that the extra time before the U SPORTS tournament was an advantage:
"I think the extra time has allowed us to work on things individually and as a team. We've made sure the intensity stayed high and that we really pushed each other so that we're at the right level when nationals come."

Game on

In the final match on the opening day of the 2025 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championships, the Carabins came out strong, applying early pressure in the Marauder end. But it was the leadership of McMaster's captains that ignited the offense in the first half. After earning a corner, Abreo delivered a well-placed kick that connected with Vogel, whose shot just sailed over the bar.

To counter a dynamic Carabins offense, defender and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year Shalagh Guha (Waterloo, Ont.) anchored the back line with poise and strength. In midfield, Giuliana Marra (Arva, Ont.) battled hard to win possession and help the Marauders transition forward. As McMaster settled into the game and fed off the energy of the home crowd, their confidence grew, leading to more chances in the Carabins' end.

Goalkeeper Ali Mudie (Burlington, Ont.) stood tall after a dangerous Montréal free kick, then came up big again in the 20th minute with back-to-back saves to keep the game scoreless. Abreo nearly converted a free kick in the 30th minute, missing just over the crossbar. Mudie remained sharp, denying a Montréal goal in the 33rd minute. Emma Fluit (London, Ont.) registered a shot on target before halftime, but the Carabins' keeper handled it cleanly. Montréal pressed late in the half, but Abreo cleared the ball from danger, sending the teams into halftime tied 0–0.
 

The Carabins brought a faster tempo after the break and found the opening goal in the 52nd minute to take a 1–0 lead. The Marauders' defense was tested early, but Guha held firm on the back line and occasionally carried the ball forward to spark the offense midway through the half. Abreo's leg was called upon again to take a free kick near midfield — her delivery into the box caused chaos, but the Carabins managed to clear. Mudie kept McMaster within reach in the 63rd minute, getting a crucial hand on a curling corner kick before her defense cleared it safely.

Ravina Braich (Oakville, Ont.) took command of the midfield on several occasions, beating defenders and driving the ball deep into Carabins territory. Marra continued to provide energy and control, winning key battles to sustain McMaster's attack. Despite their offensive push, Montréal struck again in the 80th minute to extend the lead to 2–0. Mudie remained composed, making key saves late in the game to keep the Marauders within striking distance, but the Carabins ultimately held on for the 2–0 victory.

In the post-game press conference, McMaster Head Coach Garrett Peters expressed disappointment in the result but praised his team's competitive effort against the RSEQ champions. Abreo reflected on the match with pride, acknowledging both the team's performance and the home crowd's support. "I felt proud to be a Marauder," said Abreo.

Up Next:
McMaster will face Toronto in a consolation match at 1:30 PM.
U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship continue tomorrow at 11AM | Schedule