Montreal Roses FC remains unbeaten after 0-0 draw with the Halifax Tides

Montreal Roses FC scarves at the Stade Boreale. (Daniel J. Rowe/ CTV News)

Unbeaten Montreal Roses FC faced the only team still in the hunt for a first win in the Northern Super League (NSL) on Saturday.

However, a lack of finishing forced the Roses to settle for a draw.

Despite 59 per cent possession and 15 shots -- only two of which were on target -- the Roses were blanked in a 0-0 draw against the Halifax Tides at Stade Boréale.

As a result, Montreal has a record of 3-0-1 this season and remains in first place in the standings. The Tides, who have scored just one goal in three outings, earned the first point in their history.

Quebec midfielder Mara Bouchard made her professional debut for the Roses. The 24-year-old, who was not used in the team’s first three games, replaced Allie Hess.

Gabrielle Lambert made her second start in front of goal for the club and made three saves. Her team-mates were buzzing at the other end of the pitch, but Anika Toth was only tested twice.

The Roses begin a series of three games in eight days on May 18 before an international break, when they travel to Calgary to take on the Wild.

With this in mind, head coach Robert Rositoiu made a number of changes during the game, bringing in Claire Monyard, Hess, Lara Schenk, Lorie Thibault and Mathilde Lachance.

Lack of finishing

After a cautious start from both sides, Lambert was forced into action in the eighth minute when she dived to her left to block Saorla Miller’s shot with her fingertips.

Lambert then dived again to block a dangerous pass when Sydney Kennedy attempted a cross to the keeper’s right.

The Roses then showed their teeth. Noémi Paquin tried a long shot in the 20th minute, but her shot went over the net. Seconds later, the striker tried a header from a cross but failed to find the back of the net.

In the 29th minute, it was Tanya Boychuk who threatened by just missing the target with a header. Hailey Whitaker set up the sequence with a cross after escaping pressure from an opponent on the edge of the penalty area.

Toth almost gifted Mégane Sauvé a goal, but she managed to make amends for her mistake by sliding the ball clear.

Julia Leas sent the ball wide from a corner kick in the 41st minute.

As was the case last week against the Ottawa Rapids, the Roses started the second half strongly. Latifah Abdu attempted several shots in the opening moments but failed to score.

One of her shots, partially blocked by the defence, was the only shot on target for the Roses in the first 60 minutes of play. She also committed a few offside penalties.

The Tides had a good sequence around the 60th minute, but Whitaker saved the day by clearing the ball off the line. Lambert also made his third save of the match.

Abdu thought she had scored in the 84th minute, but a foul was called by the referee before the ball found the back of the net.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 10, 2025.