History was made in Laval on Saturday night as Montréal Roses FC triumphed 2-1 over Ottawa Rapid FC in front of a sold-out crowd at Stade Boréale. The thrilling match marked Montréal’s first-ever home game and the atmosphere was electric as 5,581 fans packed into the league’s first purpose-built stadium for women’s professional soccer in Canada.

From the opening whistle, the energy in the stadium was palpable. Ottawa Rapid FC struck first, capitalizing on an early opportunity to momentarily quiet the home crowd. But the Roses quickly found their rhythm, growing more dangerous with each attack. Their persistence paid off before the half-time whistle, when forward Tanya Boychuk equalized with a composed finish - then ignited the crowd with a now-iconic backflip celebration that instantly became a highlight of the night.

Montréal carried that momentum into the second half, pushing the pace and maintaining pressure on Ottawa’s back line. Midfielder Latifah Abdu broke through in the 63rd minute with a decisive finish that sent the Stade Boréale crowd into a frenzy. From there, the Roses defended with intensity, holding off a late Ottawa surge to secure all three points.

The match was a showcase of resilience, talent, and the rising standard of professional women’s soccer in Canada. For the home side, the win keeps their unbeaten streak alive and cements a milestone in their young history. For fans, it was a night to remember - a celebration of sport, community, and the beginning of a new era.

Montréal Roses FC will look to build on this momentum as they continue their inaugural campaign, while Ottawa Rapid FC return home eager to bounce back in front of their own supporters.