It was another early kickoff for Roses FC at Stade Boréale, as Montreal looked to get back on track against a Vancouver Rise squad riding the momentum of a midweek win over Ottawa Rapid FC. However, Montreal fell behind early and never recovered after conceding a goal to Jessica De Filipo, a native Montrealer. Among the many storylines in this match, the most poignant was the return of Latifah Abdu to the very stadium where her season began—only now, she stood on the opposing bench, facing her former team. On August 20th, Roses FC released a statement: “The Montréal Roses confirm that Latifah Abdu has requested a contract release to continue her career in an environment better suited to her personal goals and playing style. The organization fully respects her decision. Prior to this request, the club had already informed Latifah of its intention to exercise the option in her contract for the 2026 season.” The abrupt shift caught both fans and media off guard, as Abdu had widely been regarded as Roses FC’s standout performer and a key figure in the team’s early-season success. It was thought she would be looking at her options elsewhere outside of the NSL, but instead she chose to go out west and join the Rise. It was later revealed that the transfer included a clause preventing Abdu from playing against Montreal—so you can imagine the shock on Saturday when the game sheet arrived with her name listed in the starting lineup. I asked around about how Abdu was eligible to start despite the well-known clause and was informed that the NSL had reviewed the contract several weeks after it was finalized. The league ultimately removed the clause, ruling it to be in violation of FIFA regulations prohibiting restrictions of this nature in transfer agreements. Fair. But my next question becomes: what version of Abdu will Roses FC be playing against? Is she upset against her former employer? Is she out to make a statement?
Beyond the Abdu saga, this match held significant importance for both teams: the Rise aimed to maintain their strong form as the season wound down, while Roses FC sought to regain momentum and finish the regular season on a high note ahead of the playoffs. Unfortunately, Roses FC fell behind early, immediately putting them on the back foot and forcing them to chase the game. This pushed Montreal into a high-pressure approach—one that has consistently proven difficult for the team to master when playing while trailing. For much of the game, the team struggled to string together consecutive passes and build any meaningful momentum. When they did manage to advance, their crosses often missed their mark, lacking a presence to capitalize on them. Overall, the match was marked by a noticeable lack of creativity and urgency, failing to unsettle the Rise or create genuine scoring opportunities. With six home losses already weighing heavily on their season, Roses FC now face an even greater test next week—an unforgiving away battle against the league-leading AFC Toronto. Not only did the starting lineup struggle to assert their game plan, but the substitutes also failed to inject any momentum or spark, leaving the team stagnant throughout. I’m a bit concerned as to how prepared this team feels heading into the playoffs. The expanding injury list is a serious worry, but even more alarming is the squad’s dwindling confidence in their own style—so far, nothing is clicking, and the team is running out of answers.
Let’s dive in.
Attack
Up front, with Lorie Thibault, Claire Monyard, and Chaerim Kang leading the attack, there was a noticeable lack of chemistry and spark among the forwards. Overall, there was a lack of creativity as well as a lack of finishing. All three attackers operated with differing interpretations of their attacking roles, resulting in a lack of synchronization that disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm. This misalignment led to poorly timed runs, ineffective positioning, uncontested crosses, and a series of squandered scoring chances. It’s not necessarily all their fault; injuries have depleted the attack and have put Coach Rositoiu in a tough spot to bring the spark back to his attacking front. Without Noemie Paquin and Tanya Boychuk, the attack had one direction: Chaerim. As talented as she can be, teams have caught on to it and have found ways to put her in an island and stagnate Montreal’s offense. 16 total shots, 27 crosses, but 4 offsides shows how difficult of a day it was for the Roses FC to put any kind of pressure on the Rises’ backline.
Let’s start with Lorie Thibault on the left side who impressed me last week with her physicality and calm going forward. However, this week her performance had a completely different outcome. In the absence of Paquin and Boychuk, Thibault’s role has taken on strategic importance. She functions as a decoy and spatial disruptor on the flank, pulling defenders wide to create pockets of space and greater freedom for Chaerim to exploit central areas and dictate play. On Saturday, Thibault struggled to make an impact in the final third, offering minimal offensive threat and failing to pose any consistent challenge to Vancouver’s defensive line. Once she was subbed out, I was still confused as to what skill set she brings to the team and why she is being deployed as a left winger. Thibault struggled to keep up with the pace of play, often lacking the speed needed to connect with key passes from midfield. She registered just three crosses all game—none of which posed a real threat. On the defensive end, she was frequently outmatched by Vancouver’s wingers and showed little chemistry with her teammates, often appearing out of sync with the flow of play. At this point, you have to wonder if Thibault is truly at a starting level for Roses FC. This position will definitely be one the coaching staff has to take a hard look at in the offseason. And at 25, it’s fair to ask how much room for growth is really left, and whether she can still become the impact player this team needs.
Leading the line was Claire Monyard who, believe it or not, had an even rougher outing than Thibault. Like her teammate, Monyard seemed completely out of sync with the attacking unit, often misreading movements and passes, which led to frequent turnovers and broken plays. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Monyard is at her best when deployed in a high-pressing role, especially as a second striker or a No. 10, where her energy and instincts can disrupt opposing build-up. But as a lone No. 9, she looked out of place. Her final touch let her down repeatedly, and although she registered four shots, none were on target which is a telling stat in a game where finishing was desperately needed. She lacked creativity in the box and was easily beaten by the Vancouver players. What’s most concerning here isn’t just Monyard’s individual performance—it’s what it signals about the broader state of Roses FC’s attack. Early in the season, the forward line was a clear strength; now, it’s arguably the team’s biggest weakness. Monyard did what she could with the role she was given, but it’s evident she isn’t the right profile to lead the line as a lone No. 9—and to be fair, that’s not entirely on her. This is yet another position the club will need to seriously evaluate in the next transfer window. On Saturday, Monyard lacked the killer instinct expected of a central striker. Despite leading all attackers in touches, she failed to generate any real threat or momentum. Her skill set is far better suited to a supporting role—either as a second striker or a facilitator—rather than being tasked with carrying the attack on her own. And unfortunately, even after the substitutions, the attacking output didn’t improve.
Chaerim Kang started on the right wing but frequently drifted into central areas, often taking up pockets of space typically occupied by the 10 position. As she has been nearly every week, Kang was the most impressive of Roses FC’s attackers—showcasing exceptional technical skill, quickness, and agility as she covered large stretches of the right flank with relentless energy. But…. she needs support. Roses FC clearly got it right by signing a player of Kang’s caliber—she operates on a level above most players in the NSL. But as the season wears on, the signs of frustration are beginning to show. Her partnership with Hailey Whittaker, once expected to be a dynamic and dangerous duo, has yet to click. The chemistry simply hasn’t developed, and the connection between the two has fallen well short of expectations. The main shortcoming in Chaerim’s performance on Saturday was her lack of creativity in the final third. While her 1v1 skills remain impressive—often leaving defenders struggling to keep pace—it’s the final product that’s missing, keeping her off the scoresheet. Defensively, she showed commitment with four tackles, but that doesn’t tell the full story. There were multiple instances where her positioning was loose, allowing Rise players to slip past her too easily.
Midfield
Let us start with Charlotte Bilbault, who I continue to believe is being played out of position as an attacking midfielder. She continues to be one of the most talented midfielders in this team when it comes to her long distance passing and defending 1 v 1. To me, the issues start when the 35-year-old veteran is asked to defend so high up field which demands a lot more speed and agility to pressure the opposing center backs and midfielders. While she is clearly putting forth her best effort, it appears she has reached her limit, and unfortunately, her current contribution falls short of what is required. Rositoiu’s system demands dynamic, quick players capable of applying high-pressure on the ball and rapidly transitioning into attack—qualities that Roses FC have lacked in recent weeks. On Saturday, Bilbault once again occupied her usual position but was tasked with a significantly more defensive role up front. At times, she dropped deeper into midfield, where she showcased what I would call an elite level of long-range distribution. I believe that unless Bilbault is positioned as a defensive central hub through which the play flows, the team is not fully capitalizing on her abilities. She finished the game with 48 touches and 35 passes with 3 total shots but none of them on goal. I believe she has the potential to be a cornerstone of this team, but Coach Rositoiu must find a way to harness her strengths to dictate the game and control the tempo.
Slightly deeper in midfield, Chloe Minas continued to impress with her advanced technical skills and her ability to maneuver through the pitch, skillfully overcoming larger opponents and creating opportunities out of seemingly nothing. Minas plays with relentless energy, giving everything she has from the first whistle to the last. While she still has areas to develop, I truly believe that with a few key improvements, she can evolve into a commanding presence and a driving force that will elevate Roses FC to new heights. On Saturday, she took on the crucial role of linking defense and attack, leading the team with 67 touches and 43 passes. From start to finish, she was one of the few Roses FC players who fought tirelessly, pouring every ounce of energy into the game before being subbed off. Speaking of Minas, she was subbed off at the 88th minute with what looked like a very worrisome injury and was carried off by the staff. Her injury seemed to be a non-contact injury which cannot be good news as, once again, the injuries continue piling up for Montreal with the playoffs fast approaching. I believe Minas should be positioned higher up the pitch instead of Bilbault to better explore her creative potential with the attackers, even though her connection with Chaerim was underwhelming on Saturday. Another key aspect of her performance against the Rise was her role as the primary set-piece taker for Roses FC. While she demonstrated a solid ability to deliver quality balls that created shooting opportunities, there remains clear potential for greater consistency and precision to maximize the team’s offensive threat from these situations.
Allie Hess, the third midfielder, was substituted at halftime for reasons that remain unclear. Although her performance was below par, it’s questionable whether it justified a change. Especially since Felicia Roy, her replacement, fulfills a more defensive role. This substitution raises tactical questions about the team’s approach and whether the change effectively addressed the midfield’s struggles. Last week, Hess showcased her keen tactical awareness by effectively reading the flow of the game and using her imposing physical presence to shield the ball from defenders. Her ability to maintain possession under pressure and confidently drive the ball forward helped transition play from defense to attack, an aspect of the game that Roy has yet to convincingly replicate That said, I found Hess’s defensive effort somewhat lackadaisical and unfocused, particularly during Vancouver’s goal. Her physical bravery against aggressive opponents like Quinn and Abdu was a valuable asset, demonstrating her willingness to engage in duels and contest possession. However, these moments were sporadic, and the lack of consistent intensity diminished her overall effectiveness. She must maintain a high level of physical commitment and tactical discipline throughout the entire match, contributing both defensively in tracking and closing down opponents, and offensively by supporting transitions and maintaining positional awareness.
Defense and Goalkeeping
Megane Sauvé was once again deployed as a left back for the majority of the game until Jodi Smith was subbed in which made Sauvé move up as a winger. Sauvé remains one of Roses FC’s most dependable defensive assets, combining keen defensive instincts with strong offensive awareness to contribute at both ends of the field. However, in this match, she struggled to influence the game meaningfully, a reflection of broader issues within the team’s structure. The left flank, in particular, suffers from a lack of cohesion between Sauvé and Thibault, whose playing styles don’t effectively complement each other—hindering both defensive stability and offensive fluidity. Given the squad’s limited depth and personnel options, finding a tactical adjustment to optimize this side of the pitch will be crucial moving forward. She had 7 tackles on defense with 66 touches and 45 passes which shows how important the captain is for this squad but similar to the other side she needs help. Sauvé’s previous synergy with Paquin on that flank elevated Roses FC’s overall performance, with their connection becoming a significant attacking threat. Maintaining Sauvé at her peak is critical if the team hopes to remain competitive in the playoffs, highlighting the urgency for tactical adjustments. However, in this match, she struggled to execute effective distribution and lacked composure in front of goal. Defensively, questionable decision-making led to conceding dangerous opportunities for the Rise. A very tough overall game for her but she’ll have a chance to redeem herself next week.
Lucy Cappadona consistently delivers strong performances week after week and, in my opinion, deserves recognition as the team’s MVP or Defensive Player of the Year. I believe Cappadona has brought a much-needed sense of composure and maturity to a backline that has looked vulnerable for much of the season. She’s emerged as a true leader within the squad by staying calm under pressure, reliable in her decision-making, and key to maintaining defensive organization. While she may not be the most physically imposing center-back, her positioning, intelligence, and timing consistently allow her to get the job done—and get it done well. As Roses FC looks to grow and stabilize, they’ll need her leadership now more than ever. On Saturday, she also had her difficulties because she had little to no help from Whittaker (more on that later), but she still displayed the level of confidence needed in the backline. Cappadona was given a clear assignment on Saturday: contain Latifah Abdu and minimize her influence in the attacking third. From the opening whistle, the two were engaged in a highly physical duel, frequently matched up in one-on-one situations both in and out of possession. Cappadona maintained tight marking throughout, using smart body positioning and well-timed challenges to deny Abdu the space she typically thrives in. She was particularly effective at stepping in early to disrupt build-up play and forced Abdu to operate further from goal than she prefers. It was a composed, intelligent performance from Cappadona, who executed her defensive assignment with precision and maturity well beyond her years. I will say this, Cappadona also had some questionable tackles that were risky and gave the Rise some chances but at the same time she was the player with the most touches in the team with 90 and 75 passes. Her decision-making in short distribution was notably sharp, consistently choosing smart, low risk passing options to maintain possession under pressure. However, it’s worth noting that Roses FC’s most successful performances this season have come in matches where the defenders had minimal touches—an indicator that the team was able to control possession higher up the pitch. That contrast alone tells you a lot about how this particular game unfolded.
Stephanie Hill was heavily involved throughout the match, but by her standards, this appeared to be one of her more challenging outings. Defensively, she looked less composed than usual and struggled to assert the control we’ve come to expect from her. The match didn’t unfold in a way that suited her strengths—namely, building from the back and contributing to the attacking phase. Hill typically thrives when paired with a more defensively disciplined partner like Hess, giving her the freedom to push forward. That dynamic wasn’t replicated with Roy, which may have limited her impact. Despite recording 75 touches and completing 65 passes, her overall influence on the game was muted. Like the rest of the squad, it was an off day. In order for Roses FC to regain their rhythm, Hill will need to deliver more stable and assertive performances to help anchor their buildup play.
If you’ve followed any of my past breakdowns of Roses FC, you already know how strongly I feel about this—Hailey Whittaker at right back just doesn’t work. It’s frustrating to keep seeing the same mistake repeated. She’s a talented player, but that role doesn’t suit her strengths and continuing to force it is only holding this team back when they need every edge they can get. I’m not sure who is better suited, but I would be willing to give Olivia Mbala more minutes to see what she can bring to the table. In Rositoiu’s tactical setup, the fullback role is pivotal for both defensive stability and offensive support; however, recent performances have fallen short of expectations, with the position failing to consistently contribute to build-up play or provide effective defensive coverage over the past few matches. On Saturday, Vancouver consistently exploited Whittaker’s flank, using her side as the primary avenue of attack and generating their best scoring opportunities there. While her offensive link-up play with Chaerim Kang showed signs of improvement, they still lacked the cohesion needed to consistently threaten the defense. Whittaker’s strength in 1v1 situations continued to create some offensive openings, but defensively, her performance declined as the match progressed. An early, questionable yellow card forced her to temper her aggression, limiting her defensive effectiveness. Statistically, she delivered eight crosses—leading the team—but managed only one tackle, with 52 touches and 25 passes, reflecting an imbalanced contribution for a fullback expected to contribute both defensively and in build-up play. She was eventually substituted in the 66th minute for Lara Schenk, who offered more defensive stability.
Gabrielle Lambert was a rock for Roses FC as they fought desperately to claw their way back into the game. Time and again, she came up clutch—making crucial saves, including a stunning stop on a free kick that could have shifted the momentum. With 43 touches, Lambert’s calm and steady presence under relentless pressure was a beacon of hope, something the team desperately needed. Unlike what we’ve seen from Anna Karpenko this season, Lambert’s poise and leadership inspired confidence in the backline. She wasn’t just a goalie; she was a fearless captain on the field, vocally demanding more from her teammates. Facing nine shots and turning away two vital ones, she was a key reason the Roses kept fighting, especially by shutting down Abdu’s threat time and again. In my opinion, Lambert must be the starter moving forward. Bringing Karpenko back won’t improve the team’s performance, especially given the struggles they are currently facing.
The subs
None of the substitutes truly stepped up when the team desperately needed a spark. Felicia Roy had nearly a half to make her mark—20 passes, 22 touches—but it felt like she was chasing the game instead of shaping it. At just 19, she has potential, but moments like these are crucial if she wants to prove she belongs and can carry the team forward. Lara Schenk showed grit with her 3 tackles and steady passing, reminding us why her presence is vital to the defense. Jodi Smith’s crosses added some hope, but overall, the bench lacked the firepower and impact to turn things around. It’s heartbreaking because the loss isn’t solely on them, but when fresh legs don’t change the narrative, it deepens the team’s struggles and makes the uphill climb even steeper. This team’s starters are struggling, and without impactful players coming off the bench to change the game and ease their load, success will remain out of reach.
In conclusion, Roses FC undeniably have the talent on their roster to compete and give their home fans the performances they deserve. It’s frustrating that, despite this potential, the team seems misaligned and many players aren’t being used to their full strengths. What worries me most is the sharp drop in energy we’ve seen and the results since clinching the playoff spot. The burning questions now are: Is this Roses FC squad truly ready to fight in the playoffs? Do they still have the heart and fire to win when it counts? The answers to these questions will hopefully be answered in their final regular season battle against AFC Toronto down the 401. A game that could define their season and their spirit.
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