The 2024 ACAC Women's Soccer Championship final featured a thrilling crosstown battle between the Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunderand the NAIT Ooks, two powerhouse teams with championship pedigree.
With the wind at their backs in the first half, the Ooks controlled much of the play, keeping the ball in the offensive zone and generating several quality chances — including a powerful strike from the 30-yard mark that rattled off the crossbar. The Thunder responded with determined counterattacks, testing NAIT's keeper, but #1 Carly Speelman(third year,Edmonton, Alta.) stood tall between the posts to keep the match scoreless.
The second halfsaw both teams battling for possession through the midfield. Neither side was able to gain a clear advantage with few shots on goal and strong defensive play on both ends, sending the championship final into extra time.
In overtime, both 15-minute halves remained scoreless as fatigue and nerves began to show, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootoutto decide the gold medal match.
In the shootout, the Thunderprevailed, converting four of seven attemptsto capture theACAC Championship title.
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Thunder scorers:
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#10 Vanessa Pietramala (fifth year, Edmonton, Alta.),
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#2 Karlee Campbell (first year, Edmonton, Alta.),
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#11 Vanessa Gomez (first year, Edmonton, Alta.), and
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#5 Emma Ward (fifth year, Calgary, Alta.).
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Ooks scorers:
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#13 Danja Fredrickson (fifth year, Surrey, B.C.),
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#16 Genevieve Bachand (second year, Edmonton, Alta.), and
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#21 Jayda Mitchell (first year, Sherwood Park, Alta.).
The Thunder's composure under pressure secured them the gold medalin a tense, defensive showdown, while the Ooks earned a well-fought silverin front of a spirited southern Alberta crowd.
ACAC Championships All-tournament Team selections:
CUE:
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#2 Karlee Campbell (first year, Edmonton, Alta.)
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#5 Emma Ward (fifth year, Calgary, Alta.)
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#1 Madison Kempster (fourth year, Edmonton, Alta.)
MVP: #10 Vanessa Pietramala (fifth year, Edmonton, Alta.),
NAIT:
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#1 Carly Speelman (third year, Edmonton, Alta.)
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#9 Jyla Erandio (second year, Edmonton, Alta.)
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#Alise Rahime (second year, Edmonton, Alta.)
Players of the Game:
NAIT: #8 Maya Tworek (first year, Edmonton, Alta.)
CUE: #3 Reese Hoyt (second year, Edmonton, Alta.)
