Montreal Roses win historic home opener in Laval
Posted May 3, 2025 6:57 pm.
Last Updated November 18, 2025 3:13 pm.
History was made this weekend at Stade Boréale, where the Montreal Roses — Quebec’s first professional women’s soccer team — played their inaugural home opener in front of a packed crowd.
On Saturday afternoon, the Roses secured a 2–1 victory over Ottawa Rapid FC in a thrilling match, extending their unbeaten record to 3–0 in their debut season in the Northern Super League. But for many, the occasion represented far more than just the final score.
‘A social movement’: Roses aim beyond the pitch
Annie Larouche, president of the Montreal Roses, stood at the sideline, visibly moved by the overwhelming support in the stadium.
“This is so exciting — just seeing everyone here, seeing the stadium full,” she said. “We’ve dreamed of this for so long. We’re proud of what we’re building and so thankful for our fans, partners, and the entire community. It’s truly amazing.”
Founded in 2024 by investors Isabèle Chevalier and Jean-François Crevier, the team represents the Greater Montreal area in the newly launched league. The Roses train at Laval’s Centre sportif Bois-de-Boulogne.
From the very start, the team’s mission has been clear: it’s about more than just soccer.
“This isn’t just a sports team,” Larouche said. “It’s a movement. Our goal is to empower women — both on and off the field.”
Stade Boréale: A first for women’s soccer
The game also marked the opening of Stade Boréale as the first stadium in Canada built specifically for professional women’s soccer. Located near Place Bell, home to the Montreal Victoire women’s hockey team, Laval is quickly becoming a center for women’s sports.
“It’s really meaningful to us,” said Roses forward Tanya Boychuk. “We hope to inspire young girls everywhere — that’s the goal.”
Boychuk, who scored earlier in the season and helped secure Saturday’s win, was emotional as she reflected on the experience.
“We’re so grateful for everyone who came out. The stadium was packed, and we hope that continues for our next game,” she said. “I can’t even put into words how it felt. I was almost in tears during the national anthem. It’s such a special moment.”
Young fans see their future on the field
Among the crowd were many young girls, some in soccer jerseys, waving banners and cheering with their families.
Mikaelle Paillière, a young player from the area, was excited to be there.
“I play soccer, and I love it,” she said. “These are my teammates, and this is my team. I love watching the games. I’ve seen the two other matches they won, and I really enjoy it.”
When asked how it felt to see women playing professionally, she replied without hesitation: “I’m so happy because now there are female teams playing in a real professional league. I’m really happy about that.”
And yes — she wants to be a professional player one day.
Richard Paillière, Mikaelle’s father, shared his joy, saying, “For me, it’s amazing because obviously it’s a dream (for her) to become a soccer player, so for us, it’s a dream that may come true. I’m really happy for this.” He added, “It makes me a very, very happy father.”
Naila Louissaint, a Montreal Roses fan, also shared her thoughts: “I came mostly to support and just to watch at what level the Roses were going to play at, to see the soccer community that was going to be out here.”
She added, “Personally, it means a lot because I play soccer also, and growing up I was like ‘we will probably not have a soccer team here,’ and just seeing that happen, it really means a lot to me personally and it probably means a lot to many people.
Fiona, another Montreal Roses fan, shared why she was there: “I came here because I play soccer and lots of other people in my family play soccer. And I also like seeing soccer and soccer is a fun sport.”
Ana Paula Hernandez, another passionate fan, expressed her excitement: “I’m excited to be here to encourage the Roses and just be there for them.”
Her friend, Mia Noel, echoed the sentiment, sharing her excitement about the event and the future of women’s soccer: “Super fun. It’s the future.”
Friends in the stands: cheering for No. 19
Among the many fans at Stade Boréale, a group of young women gathered holding handmade signs for Montreal Roses midfielder Lorie Thibault, who wears No. 19.
“She’s my friend. We want to cheer for her today so we made nice signs,” one supporter said.
“So mine is saying that she was dreaming of playing pro soccer in 2010 and now she’s making history,” she added. “It’s amazing. I remember when we started university, we never thought about it, and now she’s on the field. We’re so proud of her.”
After the game, she shared how it felt to see Thibault play: “It’s amazing. She won. She came on the field. We were screaming in the stands. We’re so proud of her.”
Other fans in the crowd also made posters to show their support for the team, holding them up proudly throughout the match.
From symbol to statement: The blue rose
The team’s name, Larouche explained, carries deep meaning.
“The Roses means, you know, it’s feminine, but at the same time, it’s powerful. It can be gentle and fierce,” she said. “In nature, the blue rose doesn’t exist. So the fact that we have a blue rose makes the impossible possible.”
‘A real inspiration’ for families
The Roses’ home opener wasn’t just for the kids.
“It’s a real inspiration — not only for my daughter but for all of the players at our club, at our organization,” said fan Kosta Zampanis. “It’s really just incredible. It’s a really important moment. Not only for women’s soccer, but for women’s sports in general, right? Especially here in Canada, to have our own league that belongs to us — it’s beyond important.”
Post-game autographs and photos with fans
After the game, players from the Montreal Roses took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with lucky fans.
One young girl had her poster signed by the players and shared her excitement about the experience.
“It’s amazing because it’s a dream come true,” she said. “We are young, and it seemed impossible in my head— no women’s soccer team. But now it’s very possible. You see all the people here.”
Next match set for May 10
With their home debut now behind them and a strong start to the season, the Roses are looking ahead to their next match on May 10 at Stade Boréale. Tickets are still available.
As Larouche said, “Today was a full house, but we have another game on May 10th. Tickets are still available, so come join us.”
For more information on the Montreal Roses, visit www.rosesmtl.ca.
