In a game delayed and defined by the elements, the Montreal Carabins captured their third U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship with a 2-1 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds on Sunday. The championship final, originally scheduled for a 5 p.m. start, was pushed back due to the cold and snowy conditions in Hamilton, eventually kicking off under the lights on a frosty, snow-covered Ron Joyce Stadium pitch.
The snowy Hamilton weather did little to slow the Carabins, who struck with a devastating one-two punch early in the first half. Karine Vilain opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and just over two minutes later, Alexie Bellerose doubled the lead, putting UBC in a deep hole.
UBC managed to pull one back just before halftime, with Sophie Harrison finding the net in the 44th minute to give the Thunderbirds a lifeline.
The second half became a gritty defensive battle for Montreal, as UBC pressed for an equalizer. The persistent snow made clean passing and possession a challenge, but the Carabins’ backline, anchored by goalkeeper Anna Bianca Stevens-Cardin, held firm. Stevens-Cardin made two crucial saves in the final half to preserve the narrow lead.
The victory marks the third national title for the Carabins women’s soccer program, adding to their previous wins in 2016 and 2018, a triumph earned against both a tough opponent and the difficult winter weather. For the UBC Thunderbirds, while the loss ends their quest for a 10th national championship they do gain their nation-leading 17th medal in women’s soccer.
NIKE TEAM PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
MTL: Karine Vilain
UBC: Taiya Dennehy2025 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship Award Winners
Championship All-Star Team
- Goalkeeper: Anna-Bianca Stevens-Cardin (Montréal)
- Defender: Blessing Mayi-Kith (Montréal)
- Defender: Ella Sunde (UBC)
- Defender: Maude Lagacé (Montréal)
- Defender: Rhianna MacDonald (Trinity Western)
- Midfield: Taiya Dennehy (UBC)
- Midfield: Sienna Gibson (UBC)
- Midfield: Justine Lalande (Montréal)
- Midfield: Karine Vilain (Montréal)
- Midfield: Léa-Jeanne Fortier (Laval)
- Forward: Jayda Thompson (UBC)
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: Cape Breton Capers
Championship MVP: Karine Vilain (Montréal)