Quest for the Cup: Stakes continue to rise with quarterfinal clashes coming up
Burlington, Ont. (via AC Lang / wsoccer.ca) - Just like that, we've reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 women’s soccer season. As the temperature drops, the stakes rise, with teams vying for the championship trophy and a spot at Nationals in Nova Scotia this November. To get there, teams will need at least two more wins, and the first must come tonight in the last inter-division playoff games before crossing over in the semifinals.
In case you missed the first round, here’s a video of all the goals scored this past weekend.
https://x.com/WsoccerCa/status/1849109653390544919
Let’s take a look at how each team made it to the quarters, how they match up, and which players to watch.
OUA West - McMaster at Guelph
How They Got Here
The Gryphons finished second in the West with an 8-3-1 record, earning a bye to the quarterfinals. They started strong with eight wins, but tied once and lost twice in the final three games. Scoring goals has been a strength this fall, as they are tied for first in the conference with 35 goals.
McMaster had to win their first-round home match against Laurier, doing so in dramatic fashion. Trailing for most of the game, they found a late equalizer through a stunning free kick by Jade Abreo in added time, forcing extra time thereafter. Another set-piece in the 117th minute, a corner from Abreo, found Lorena Marcone’s head, who nodded it home for the win.
Head-to-Head This Season
The Marauders have had the Gryphons' number in recent years. They ended Guelph’s playoff hopes in 2023, defeating them 2-1 in the quarterfinals, and also won 4-0 in the regular season. In 2024, McMaster won their home match 2-1 with a comeback victory at Ron Joyce Stadium, and the teams split points in a 2-2 tie in Guelph two days later.
Players to Watch
Guelph will be motivated to flip the script this evening, with most players from last season's playoff loss still key contributors. Their offense remains potent, with a variety of attacking threats. Veteran striker Olivia Brown (10 goals, 1 assist) is the main focal point, consistently finding the back of the net. Captain Olivia Rizakos (3G, 6A) provides leadership and is effective at linking up play in the midfield. Reigning MVP Christina Gomes (3G, 4A) brings creativity and vision to Guelph’s attacking efforts, while rookie sensation Izzy Trepanier (4G) has impressed with her ability to break through defensive lines. Ella Chase (2G, 7A), a dynamic transfer, is a versatile player who excels at both creating chances and finishing them.
McMaster's backline will rely heavily on standout defender Bryana Caldwell, a two-time OUA all-star. Known for her strength in the air and ability to score from set pieces, Caldwell has netted six goals this season, many from perfectly timed runs during corners and free kicks. Her set-piece partner, Jade Abreo, has been lethal, leading the nation in assists (11) and contributing nine goals of her own. Abreo is an all-around playmaker and one of the top candidates for OUA West MVP, with her precision on set pieces being a key aspect of McMaster’s success. The chemistry between Abreo and Caldwell, forged under coach Garrett Peters this summer, has been a significant asset to the team.
OUA West - York at Western
How They Got Here
Western Mustangs were one of three teams across U SPORTS to go undefeated this season. Their 9-0-3 record placed them atop the West Division, earning them a first-round bye. Their defence has been a key strength, with only six goals conceded, ranking them among the best in the nation.
The York Lions finished fourth in the regular season with a 5-3-4 record, showing strong goal scoring with 35 tallies. They earned their quarterfinal spot with a 1-0 win over Windsor, thanks to a perfect left-footed volley by Breanne Desa. Defensively, they allowed just three shots, none on target.
Head-to-Head This Season
Western and York faced off once this season, on the penultimate matchday, in a competitive 2-2 draw. Giualina Paloella scored early for York, but Western responded with goals from Avarie Thomas and Gabby Kohut. A late goal from Kalifornia Mitchell tied the game, the only time Western conceded more than one goal all season.
Players to Watch
For Western, defender Avarie Thomas is not only a defensive stalwart, but also a key figure in the team's offensive efforts. A three-time OUA first team all-star and two-time U SPORTS all-Canadian, Thomas has elevated her game this season with an impressive nine goals and one assist. She leads the Mustangs in scoring and is responsible for more than a third of their total goals. Known for her aerial prowess and ability to read the game, Thomas has been a game-changer on both ends of the field, particularly dangerous during set pieces. Another critical figure in their backline is goalkeeper Samantha St Croix, who boasts a 0.893 save percentage, ranking third in the country. With just six goals conceded all season and a goals-against-average of 0.5 per game, St Croix has been a reliable last line of defence.
York’s offence will be spearheaded by Nia Fleming-Thompson, who returned to the league after a year off and has made an immediate impact with 12 goals in 12 regular season games. Her speed and finishing ability make her a constant threat. York's attack is well-balanced, with five other players contributing three or more goals apiece, making them difficult to defend. Veteran midfielder Kalifornia Mitchell has a knack for rising to the occasion in big moments, as shown by her late goal in the last match against Western. Breanne Desa, who played as a center-back in the win over Windsor, will also be a key figure, capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.
OUA East - Queen’s at Nipissing
How They Got Here
The Nipissing Lakers had their best regular season finish in several years, finishing ahead of Queen’s for the first time since 2021. Their 9-3-0 record was enough to earn a bye to the quarterfinals. The squad looks strong this season, relying on a combination of veterans looking to go out on a high and younger contributors, who’ve stepped up this season.
Queen’s was disappointed to finish third due to their 8-3-1 record, and a final day loss against rival Ottawa. The Gaels took on Carleton in the first round and came away with a 2-0 win in what was a strange match, interrupted in the second half by technical issues with lighting, and finished two days later. Matson Strickler and Brinley Bjornson got the goals, and keeper Kristin Tynan earned the clean sheet, her ninth of the season.
Head-to-Head This Season
The Lakers had the upper hand in their only match of the season on October 6th. Goals by Annika Nolte and Rylee Traicoff saw them lead 2-0 until late in the game when Seema Sakran pulled one back for Queen’s. The teams were evenly matched across key statistics such as shots, corners, saves, and fouls, setting up what should be a riveting quarterfinal match..
Players to Watch
For Nipissing, senior forward Cassidy Brooks has been the heart of the team’s offence, netting 10 goals in just nine games this season. Her clinical finishing ability, combined with her leadership on the field, has made her a pivotal figure for the Lakers. Supporting her are midfielders Jessica Emmerton, who has added five goals this season, and Hannah Neville, who has contributed three goals and five assists. Forward Annika Nolte has also been a key player, providing both goals (5G) and assists (6A) to balance the Lakers’ attack. On the defensive side, Rylee Traicoff has stood out with her ability to contribute to both defence and attack, scoring four goals and assisting three, including the game-winner against Queen's earlier this season.
For Queen’s, Matson Strickler is their standout player, ranking fourth in points in the OUA with 10 goals and three assists. Known for her ability to find space and create opportunities, she has a knack for scoring crucial goals, as she did in the first round of playoffs. Seema Sakran, Morgan Fenton, and Brinley Bjornson are also capable of stepping up when needed, each contributing over six points this season. Defensively, goalkeeper Kristin Tynan has been a rock, conceding just six goals all season with help from a solid backline that includes defenders like Madina Assaf, Clare Sun, and Cassia Crozier.
OUA East - Toronto at Ottawa
How They Got Here
The Ottawa Gee-Gees dominated all season with an 11-1 record and a +41 goal differential. They are the No. 2 team in the U SPORTS rankings and head into the quarterfinals as favorites for their third consecutive OUA Championship.
Toronto (6-3-3, 19 GF, 10 GA), on the other hand, played their first round match last weekend, after a fifth-place finish in the regular season. The Varsity Blues defeated local rivals TMU thanks to a stunning free-kick by captain Hannah Chown. It was a sweet victory on enemy territory, especially because the Bold came away with the win in their only regular season match.
Head-to-Head This Season
Interestingly, even though U of T struggled at times this season, they handed the Gee-Gees their only loss of the season. In a cagey 1-0 win at Matt Anthony Field, the Varsity Blue deployed a three-back formation with wingbacks and stifled Ottawa’s potent attack. Hannah Harkin found a clutch goal off a set-piece in the second half to secure the three points. No doubt, the Gee-Gees will look to avenge that loss this evening.
Players to Watch
For Ottawa, the key player is Cassandra Provost, reigning OUA and U SPORTS MVP and all-time Gee-Gees top scorer, having broken the school’s scoring record this season with 61 career goals (13 in 2024). Provost’s consistency in front of goal is remarkable—she's been kept off the scoresheet only three times this season. Her supporting cast includes attacking talents like Jenna Matsukubo, Nibo Dlamini, and Allana Oriente, all of whom provide pace and creativity in the final third. Defender Maya Smith is another player to keep an eye on, as her physicality and ability to organize the defence have helped the Gee-Gees maintain a clean sheet in 10 of their 12 games.
For Toronto, captain Hannah Chown has been instrumental in set-pieces, scoring decisive free kicks in crucial moments. Chown’s leadership in the midfield is vital to Toronto’s play, as she excels at breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning into offence. Central defender Cassie Chan is another crucial player, especially after her return from injury. Chan’s composure and ability to read the game are critical in organizing Toronto’s defensive efforts. Forward Hannah Harkin has also been productive, and her goal against Ottawa earlier in the season will give her the confidence to strike again.
