QC United still riding high after falling in inaugural UWS match
Both teams had a reason to rejoice Sunday at Regina Rugby Park.
Calgary Foothills celebrated a season-opening, 5-0 victory over Regina-based QC United.
Members of the Regina side, meanwhile, were part of history — their team’s inaugural match in United Women’s Soccer, a 23-team pro-am circuit.
“It’s really exciting,” said QC United’s Claire Abrey, who is from Saskatoon. “We’ve never had anything like this in Saskatchewan before, so it’s an honour to be a part of this team.”
QC United is only the second Canadian entry in the five-yearold league. Calgary, a third-year franchise, is the defending West Conference champion.
“We’re really happy to have two teams now that play in Canada,” Tanya Boychuk said after her fourgoal performance. “It gives more options for girls to play across Canada. It shows that the development of soccer in Canada is getting bigger.”
Rehana Murani was the other goal scorer Sunday before 200plus spectators.
“We were in (QC United’s) position three years ago, so we know what it was like coming into the league and what the first game was like,” Boychuk noted.
Calgary is to play host to QC United in a rematch on June 2.
QC United will then return home and play back-to-back matches at the University of Regina against the Los Angeles Galaxy (June 14, 7 p.m.) and Santa Clarita Blue Heat (June 15, 8 p.m.).
QC United’s other home date, part of an eight-game regular-season schedule, is July 5 against the Colorado Pride (7 p.m., U of R).
“We really weren’t sure what to expect (in the opener),” Abrey said. “We knew that our opponent would be very good and very technical.
“It was good to get our feet wet and to get an idea of what to expect.”