Laval University’s Rouge et Or, who won bronze and silver medals in the 2021 and 2022 editions respectively, are aiming for nothing less than the top tier of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Championship this year, which kicks off on Thursday at Queen’s University Podiums in Kingston.
The Rouge et Or has the means to realize its ambitions, as evidenced by last Friday’s hard-fought provincial title against the University of Montreal Carabins and its undefeated season with 12 wins and two draws. It was their tenth provincial title and first at home since 2017.
David Desloges’ protégés will play their first game on Thursday at 4 p.m. against the Western Mustangs.
“At the start of the season we had three very clear goals,” said RSEQ MVP Daphnée Blouin. We wanted to win the regular season title; the provincial championship; and the Canadian Championship. We have achieved the first two goals, but the work is far from complete.”
“Our defeat in the Canadian final [contre Montréal] Last year left a bitter aftertaste, Blouin added. We don’t want to experience that feeling again and are even hungrier. It’s really my last chance this year and I have to win. My individual achievements will mean nothing if we don’t win the Canadian championship.”
Different scenario than 2022
Rouge et Or, in last place of the eight teams present at the 2022 National Championships, caused a surprise in front of their fans by eliminating the favorites at the opening event and making it to the final round. This year, Rouge et Or is the team to beat. Is there a danger of being overconfident?
“The girls are very down-to-earth and are not floating on a cloud,” said Desloges. They have big goals and their behavior is tied to those goals. They are very professional. From day one we wanted to win the season title and get into the Canadian Championship through the front door. Every year since the pandemic returned in 2021, we have made progress in our project to win a national title.
Strangely, Desloges predicted a less brilliant season. “With the departure of several starters, I expected a slight drop in speed,” admitted the Laval pilot, “but the girls found their way around very quickly and picked up the starts.” They came back stronger. We want to change our coat.”
Players’ coats are adorned with two stars to commemorate the national titles won in 2014 and 2016.
Magical moments
Émma-Ève Lecompte, who scored the winning goal in the provincial final in a dramatic 2-1 win last Friday, experienced very strong emotions. “My family was gathered to watch the game on the Internet and my relatives sent me the audio clip describing my goal,” she said. It was crazy to hear my name. All the ingredients were there. A win against Montreal; In the state final, a goal was scored in the last minute. I do not believe it.”
Lecompte was selected to the first RSEQ All-Star team and assured that she has come down from her cloud. “When I came back with both feet on the ground, I realized that I had experienced really strong emotions. The win against Montreal allows us to go into the national tournament with more confidence, but we are starting from scratch.”
Inspired by Rugby Girls
The rugby team’s national title win at home on Sunday is inspiring the girls soccer team, whose locker rooms are next to each other at TELUS Stadium.
“It was so nice to see them celebrating,” said Mathilde Rousseau, who was selected for the second constellation of the RSEQ. Your victory inspires us and we also want to experience these beautiful moments. On Friday we celebrated together in the dressing room after our win and the rugby semi-final. It was a big night for women.”
As the reigning Canadian champions, the Carabins are ranked 6th nationally. In the first round they will face St. Francis Xavier X Women, the Atlantic champions.