Rouges’ Chabot and Rebels’ Gzebb each record hat-tricks
By Nik Kowalski
It took 9:57 of extra time to crown the MCAC women’s futsal champion Sunday as the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges defeated the RRC Rebels 5-4 in Brandon.
League MVP Katie Moniot played hero for USB, scoring the game-winner with 2.8 seconds remaining to stun the crowd at Brandon University’s Healthy Living Centre. Moniot’s goal snuck through the short-side of RRC goalkeeper Abigail Wilson, clinching USB’s second title in as many years.
“I’m disappointed with the result for the players,” said RRC head coach Doug Lawrie. “They played so well, and they also came very close in the overtime.”
Jessica Gzebb opened up the match’s scoring when she capitalized on a free kick from in close, beating USB goalkeeper Daneige Edey and giving RRC their first and only lead.
The Rouges answered six minutes later when Mylène Chabot blasted in a shot along the court. Chabot then caught fire, scoring another two quick goals for the natural hat-trick and a 3-1 USB lead. The Rouges added to their lead on an Annick Riet tally which made it a three-goal game.
With under a minute left in the half, Gzebb finished off a lob from Shea Bresciani to make it 4-2 USB after the first 25 minutes of action.
“We drew on our experience yesterday and we said at halftime ‘Look guys, we’ve been in this situation before — down two — and just keep playing your game,” said Lawrie post-game.
The offensive surge settled in the second half with neither team scoring in the first 20 minutes. With just under five minutes left, the Rebels got life when Gzebb completed her hat-trick by scoring on a laser of a free kick to the top right corner.
“She’s got that ability to score with power or finesse,” said Lawrie. “That’s what makes her so dangerous.”
Two minutes later with the RRC goalkeeper pulled, Kezia Balzer found extra attacker Kyla Clarke who hammered home her second of the season, tying the game at four late in the match.
“Every one of them got on the floor and contributed,” said Lawrie. “Kezia found her [Clarke] and it worked out. It made this a game for the history books I think.”
The Rouges nearly ended the game in the final seconds of regulation when an Ashley Paterson hand ball gave USB a free kick, but Chabot hit Cassie Nazeravich’s pass a split second too late. But in overtime, Miniot’s last-second goal made up for the missed opportunity.
Sunday’s women’s final marked the end of the 2019-20 MCAC sports year.
