Women's GOLD medal Game

Gold medal game

In the highly anticipated Women's Gold Medal match on October 27, 2024, the Concordia Thunder faced the SAIT Trojans in chilly, overcast conditions. Both teams entered the contest undefeated, adding an extra layer of intensity to this showdown. Concordia came out strong, securing a corner kick in the 11th minute that led to a close header attempt that landed on top of the net. Despite early pressure, SAIT's keeper, Erin Mergen, held firm, saving another Concordia corner kick in the 12th minute. SAIT focused on keeping possession with short passes, creating a compact field to counter Concordia's attack. Concordia continued to press forward with another corner in the 20th minute, but a miscommunication in SAIT's defense left the ball loose in the box, with Concordia unable to capitalize. Then, in the 27th minute, a breakaway pass from midfielder Nikki Charlton set up striker Rachelle O'Leary, who buried it for SAIT, putting them up 1-0.

The second half saw Concordia push hard for an equalizer, while SAIT looked to extend their lead. In the 66th minute, O'Leary's shot hit the crossbar, providing a second chance header for SAIT's Meaghan Weibe, which narrowly missed. Concordia's defense held strong under pressure, with defender Denae Michie making a critical stop on a SAIT 3-on-1 chance, and goalkeeper Madison Kempster producing a key save in the 75th minute off a close-range attempt from Weibe. Despite being up by a goal, SAIT played assertively, not content to sit back and defend. Concordia's persistence finally paid off in the 82nd minute, as Emma Derechey found the back of the net with a perfect setup from Vanessa Pietramala, leveling the game and igniting new energy in the Thunder's lineup.

With just minutes left in regulation, Concordia struck again in the 88th minute, as Pietramala scored off a high-bouncing ball, assisted by Abigail Burton, to claim a 2-1 lead. Concordia held firm in the final moments to seal the victory and secure the bronze medal. The players of the game were SAIT's Rachelle O'Leary, who led the attack, and Concordia's Emma Derechey, who tied the game and played a key role in their comeback. 

Tournament all-stars included SAIT's Meaghan Weibe and Nikki Charlton, as well as Concordia's Madison Kempster and Abigail Burton. Concordia's hero, Vanessa Pietramala, was named the tournament MVP.