The War of the Roses has come to an end, and with it the Calgary Wild FC have toppled the reign of the Norther Super League’s top ranked team in a home game at McMahon Stadium on May 18.

In a hard fought battle that saw 11 shots on net by the Wild FC, and a near 50-50 possession percentage against Montreal, the game winning shot was taken by midfielder Jenaya Robertson.

Talking about the goal, Robertson said that the ball hitting the goal post was a nerve wracking way to win the match with just minutes left on the clock.

“But it did go in the back of the net, so I was relieved, and I think the whole team was thrilled,” she said.

“I think the whole game, there were some great moments from us, it was just trusting that it was going to come, and having that belief in that extra fight in us. We did that really well, and that’s what it takes in those last few minutes.”

Head coach Lydia Bedford said that the previous week’s tie was a disappointment for the team, and that resulted in a pair of the team’s best training sessions to get back on top.

“That just showed that everyone was hungry. Really the only thing I said to them before we went out for the game is bring that to life on the pitch. Forget tactics, if you have more energy and you want it more than they want it, then you normally get what you deserve,” Bedford said.

“I’m just so proud of them because Montreal sat top of the table. I think they’ve had a great start to the season, but I think everybody in this league is competitive, and on any given day, any team can take points of anybody.”

Keeping Robertson playing was a reflection of the trust that she had 86 minutes into the match, said Bedford.

“I was like, Jen’s doing really well, let’s leave her on the pitch a little bit longer. Good decision. Can you imagine history if I took her off?” Bedford said.

Some switch ups by Bedford, however brought fresh energy to the pitch, and prevented the Roses from making a final push to get back into the game.

“The flexibility of players that can play in multiple positions is really important. Some of the players that were on the bench today started last week. They didn’t really do anything wrong. It’s just about actually keeping everyone on their toes,” said Bedford.

As for the fans, she said that the style of football that they saw on Sunday would keep them coming back.

“You win games, you show the fans the respect of going and connecting with them afterwards, and you enjoy that moment with them. They just keep coming back,” Bedford said.

“We just want them to keep coming and keep building, because their noise and the momentum they make every time we do something good pushes this team through. If we have to get to the last 80 minutes before we put balls in the back of the net, then no problem, but if they’re with us, that will come.”

Sunday’s match saw 3,502 people attending.

The Wild FC next take on Vancouver Rise FC in Vancouver on May 24, before returning home to Calgary to face the Halifax Tides FC on June 5.

Photos from the Wild vs Montreal Roses