After an explosive home opening 12-0 win, Ottawa women's soccer looks to carry the momentum into Wednesday's KCAC opener against University of Saint Mary. Kickoff against the Spires is set for 1 p.m. at the Dick Peters Sports Complex.
The Matchup
Although Ottawa holds a dominant 18-7-2 edge in the overall series between the teams, the last three years have not been outstanding for the Braves. After earning a 1-1 draw in 2023, Ottawa dropped a 1-0 result in 2024 and a 2-1 loss in 2025 to the Spires. The most recent two-game slide does, however, come at the tail end of an 11-game unbeaten streak that has seen Ottawa outscore USM 22-6, and the Spires were - until Saturday - one of three teams that shared the ignominy of allowing the most goals scored and the largest margin of victory by Ottawa.
Last Time Out
After a bit of a slow start, Ottawa's offense exploded for three goals in three minutes in the first half en route to a 12-0 romp over Mission University.
Charlotte Gatehouse recorded a hat trick for the Braves, who set new program records for goals scored and margin of victory on the afternoon.
About University of Saint Mary
The Spires come into Wednesday's contest searching for their first win on the 2026 campaign after finishing 2025 with a solid 7-5-7 overall mark and a 5-3-5 record in KCAC action.The Spires return less than a quarter of their offensive output from the 2025 squad, which has shown in the early matches as the lone goal for USM came in a 2-1 loss at Stephens College. Freshman Bre'Ella DeMaranville and senior Angelica Quintana-Aficial have been splitting time in goal for the Spires, with Quintana-Avicial posting a goals-against average of 3.00 and DeMaranville an average of 2.50.
Welcome (Back) Home
After playing the past several seasons at AdventHealth Field, Ottawa returns to the Dick Peters Sports Complex for the 2026 season.
"We are excited to be returning home to Dick Peters Sports Complex," said head coach
James Cottage. "Playing on a soccer specific field, a field that is longer and wider, it will really match what we're trying to achieve. We want to play with fast wingers that can get into one on one opportunities, but this field will help defenders as well."
In addition to the benefits for the team, the fan experience is also expected to be improved with the move to Peters.
"With the move, fans can be closer to the field and really get up close and be that extra bit of support for our team," added Cottage. "I want to make it feel like a home, a place where teams look at it and go 'Oh, we've got to go to Ottawa. We have to play on that big field and it's going to be a mess.' That's what we're looking for."
