ONE POINT SEPARATES THE ROSES AND RAPID FC AT THE TOP OF THE NORTHERN SUPER LEAGUE
Kickoff: Sunday, September 6 · 12:00 PM · Ottawa
Broadcast: TSN, RDS2, ESPN+
The Montréal Roses (10-4-4, 34 points) travel to Ottawa just one week after making history at Stade Saputo in front of a record crowd of 17,077 fans. The setting will look completely different this weekend: an away pitch, a noon kickoff, and 90 minutes to hold onto top spot in the standings.
Top Attack vs. Elite Defence
This match offers a crystal-clear contrast in styles.
On one side, Ottawa Rapid FC (10-5-3, 33 points) relies on a formidable offensive arsenal. With 39 goals scored in 18 matches, the Ontario side comfortably leads the league in attack. That high-risk approach leaves gaps at the back: their 30 goals allowed represent the highest defensive total among the top three teams.
On the other side, Montreal relies on total balance. The Roses boast the second-best defence in the competition with 19 goals conceded, just behind Toronto (18). Pair that defensive foundation with 33 goals scored, and the team holds the league’s best goal differential at +14. It is the most explosive attack in the league taking on one of its most resolute backlines.
Players to Watch
Elyse Bennett vs. DB Pridham: Still topping the goalscoring chart with 10 goals (tied with Jessica De Filippo), Bennett continues to set the pace. On the opposite side, Pridham remains Ottawa’s main threat with 8 goals and a league-leading 5 assists. Montreal’s Lisa Pechersky is right behind her with 4 assists.
The X-Factor, Evelyn Badu: Fresh off WAFCON duty with Ghana, Badu instantly changed the dynamic of the match when she stepped into the pitch at Stade Saputo. With 4 goals and an assist in limited minutes, she is emerging as a critical piece for the home stretch.
Mimi Alidou’s Momentum: With 3 goals in her first 6 matches in Montreal, Alidou gives opposing defences another lethal, difficult-to-contain option.
Clash of Styles in Goal
The goalkeeping duel perfectly captures the reality of both clubs. Anna Karpenko stands alone as the only goalkeeper in the league to have played every single minute this season, logging 56 saves and 7 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Melissa Dagenais leads the league with 63 saves and 16 starts. The gap between those numbers is straightforward: Dagenais is under constant pressure due to Ottawa’s open style, whereas Karpenko benefits from an organized defensive unit that limits high-danger chances.
Next Home Match
The Roses return home on Thursday, September 10, hosting AFC Toronto at 7:00 PM at Stade Boréale. Tickets are on sale now for as low as $28 and available at en.rosesmtl.ca/tickets.