Vancouver, Montreal split points in goalless draw

Vancouver Rise FC and Montreal Roses FC take the field on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Rois Chand

Montreal Roses FC’s defence was the story of the game, stopping a flurry of Vancouver Rise FC chances to play for a 0-0 draw on Sunday afternoon.

This was their third matchup of the season, with Montreal winning both games prior.

The Rise entered action without a win in their last three fixtures, recording two losses and a draw, while the Roses were looking for a third straight win.

Both teams traded punches with goal scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, but it stayed goalless until the break.

Forward Mariah Lee produced the best chance of the first half in the 12^th minute when was clean through on goal and sent a shot wide of the post.

Multiple chances came for Lee and Holly Ward, both failing to register a shot on goal.

Jasmyne Spencer was left alone at the back post following a Rise corner, but her effort was stopped by a Roses defender for another corner.

Despite the Rise producing the bulk of the scoring chances to end the first half, the Roses defense kept the score level to take a goalless draw into the break.

“(The defence) was tremendous. They stepped in big moments and put their bodies on the line,” said Roses goalkeeper Anna Karpenko. 

Coming out of half-time, the Rise continued to add pressure to the Roses’ goal.

Lisa Pechersky’s curved effort in the 58^th minute found the fingertips of Karpenko to deflect the shot onto the crossbar.

Roses head coach Robert Rositoiu pointed out the effort of his goalkeeper, calling her display “amazing”.

Karpenko and Rositoiu said the game was evidence of the high standards of the league.

“It's awesome to see how competitive and complex each team is,” Karpenko said.

Pechersky was all over the pitch, drawing a free-kick right outside the penalty area in the 68^th minute. However, Samantha’s Chang’s free-kick effort was sent straight into the Roses wall.

The Rise found resurgence in substitute Jessica De Filippo, but her first shot only found the body of Karpenko to end the game in a draw.

The Northern Soccer League will take a break in play, with teams playing their next game in July. The Rise are next in action on July 12^th in Calgary while the Roses head back home for a matchup with Halifax.