In a top-of-the-table showdown on Sunday afternoon, the Montreal Roses defeated the Ottawa Rapid 3-2. Elyse Bennett, Lisa Pechersky, and Noémi Paquin scored for the Quebec team, which extended its lead over the Ottawa Rapid to four points at the top of the Northern Super League standings. “We played a great game,” said the Roses’ interim head coach, Maryse Bard-Martel. “Credit to Ottawa—it’s always a big game against them. I’m extremely happy with how we started the match: sharp, efficient, and with a lot of purpose. “I also liked the resilience we showed when we needed it most. Seeing the girls’ hard work and focus pay off in the end is truly satisfying. Now, we’re quickly turning our attention to our next opponent. The team is focused, on a mission, and we can’t wait to tackle the next challenge together.” The victory comes at just the right time for the Roses, as there are only six games left to play this season. The team’s next match will be played at Stade Boréale on Thursday against AFC Toronto. Bennett opened the scoring on a perfectly weighted cross from Hailey Whitaker. It was the 11th goal of the season for the Roses’ forward, who is once again the sole leader in the NSL Golden Boot race. Pechersky doubled her team’s lead with a strike from outside the box, the best goal of the match. The Rapid responded with two goals to tie the game, but Paquin, set up by Evelyn Badu, sealed the victory for the Roses. Stéphanie Hill made her return to action for the Montreal team in this match. They were her first minutes on the field since June 13. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 6, 2026.
