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Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference "To be Canada's premiere collegiate athletic conference by developing and inspiring leadership through excellence in academics, sport and citizenship"
Posted: Oct 25, 2025

Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Semifinals

Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Semifinals

Oct. 25, 2025 – With a berth in the ACAC women's championship final on the line, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens and the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder delivered a tense, defence-first semifinal battle. The opening half featured balanced play at both ends of the pitch, with each side trading possession and testing their opponent's back line. Concordia pushed forward with pace and urgency, generating several dangerous looks, but RDP goalkeeper #1 Jessie Stewart (fifth year, Gull Lake, Alta.) stood tall, making key saves to keep the match even. The Queens responded with a disciplined defensive structure of their own, limiting the Thunder's ability to capitalize on sustained pressure. After 45 minutes of tight, tactical soccer, the teams entered halftime scoreless at 0–0.

The second half ramped up in intensity as both squads chased the crucial first marker. The stakes were evident as physical play increased, leading to a brief altercation near midfield that resulted in a yellow card issued to RDP. The Thunder continued to apply heavy offensive pressure, spending much of the half attacking deep in the Queens' territory. Still, RDP pushed back when they found opportunities, working to generate counters and test the Thunder defence. Concordia goalkeeper #1 Madison Kempster (fourth year, Edmonton, Alta.) remained composed, turning away RDP's attempts and energizing the Thunder's supporters.

As urgency rose, so did the physicality, with the Queens receiving a second yellow card in the late stages of the match. Just when it appeared the semifinal might require extra time, Concordia delivered a dramatic breakthrough. In the 90th minute, #8 Sherlyn Melendez (second year, Edmonton, Alta.) soared for a header off a perfectly placed corner kick from #10 Vanessa Pietramala (fifth year, Edmonton, Alta.), finally putting the Thunder on the scoreboard. The late strike sealed a thrilling 1–0 victory for Concordia, sending the Thunder to the gold medal match while the Queens prepare to battle for bronze after a valiant effort.

ACAC Players of the Game:

RDP: #7 Zoe Fitzsimmons (first year, Edmonton)

CUE: #10 Vanessa Pietramala (fifth year, Edmonton)