A brisk Saturday night at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan set the stage for an exhilarating Women’s 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup Final between Scarborough GS United and Bradford Union FC. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying grit and determination, ultimately ending in a 4-4 draw with GS United sealing their win in a penalty shootout.

The action started early, with Bradford's Selena Tansella testing GS United's goalkeeper Katrina Pappas from distance in the 3rd minute, but Pappas handled the shot with ease. GS United quickly responded, as Sylvia Forbes fired a shot from range in the 4th minute, for Bradford’s Dania Justo to also make an easy save. 

Forbes wouldn't be denied for long. In the 7th minute, she broke through from a slightly closer range, sending the ball past a diving Justo to open the scoring. A minute later, Victoria Watson doubled GS Uniteds lead, sneaking another shot past Justo to make it 2-0. 

Bradford fought back immediately. Tansella delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Kendra Saxton, who netted a left-footer to bring the score to 2-1. However, GS United continued their attacking pressure. In the 24th minute, Forbes capitalized again, slotting home her second goal of the night after a slick assist from Kayla Moreno. 

Bradford had chances to close the gap, with Ashley Campbell and Brandi Morrison both missing the target in the 29th and 30th minutes, respectively. Forbes completed her hat trick in the 34th minute, volleying home a perfect cross from Watson to give GS United a commanding 4-1 lead. 

Bradford kept their hopes alive with a crucial goal just before halftime. A shot bounced off the right post and over the line in the 43rd minute. In the 45th, Forbes attempted to clear the ball, but it bounced off a Bradford player and went into the net, making the score 3-4 just before the break. 

The second half saw both teams slow the pace as defenses tightened. GS United had opportunities to extend their lead, but Justo stood tall in goal for Bradford. Ashley Campbell created a few dangerous moments for Bradford, including a brilliant chance in the 73rd minute where she dribbled past a defender but shot wide. 

In the final minutes, Bradford's persistence paid off. Campbell finally found her moment in the 87th minute, heading home a free kick to level the match at 4-4, sending the crowd into a frenzy. 

GS United nearly snatched victory in added time, as Gisenia Utreras broke away for a one-on-one with Justo, but the Bradford keeper made a crucial save to preserve the draw. 

With no winner in regulation, the 2024 MilkUP Ontario Cup Final came down to a penalty shootout. Both teams traded goals until the match entered sudden death. Pappas came up with a huge save, giving GS United the edge. With the Cup on the line, GS Unitedh's Savhnna Robinson stepped up and buried her shot, securing a dramatic win for GS United. 

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