Cambridge Women Fall Just Short in Hard-Fought Battle with Undefeated Pickering FC

May 15, 2026

Pickering, ON– Cambridge United (W) took to the road Friday to take on Pickering FC at Pickering Soccer Center. An early goal from Pickering’s Hope Windebank would be the difference, Cambridge defeated 1-0 despite a second-half surge to equalize. 

TEAM

Cambridge United Starting XI: Mitchell, Sauve (Taylor, 75’), Beaumont (Mackie, 86’), Falkenstein, Porteous (McCall, 86’), Difonzo, Owen (Derry, 46’), Kraja (Halley, 63’), Lariviere (Morgan, 75’), Schade, Heyes

Unused subs: Obelnicki

First Half

Pickering got off to a quick start, Hope Windebank capitalized in the 7th minute to put Cambridge on their heels early. The home team sustained continuous possession and offensive pressure for the majority of the first half as Cambridge struggled to settle in. 

While the visitors showed flashes of potential, stellar play from goalkeeper Shae Mitchell—alongside three Pickering shots off the woodwork—kept the deficit to just one at the half. Both Megan Heyes and Mary Elizabeth Difonzo picked up cautions in the 42nd minute of play. 

Second Half

A reset in the locker room at the break brought a change in formation and one substitution for Cambridge as Cassidy Derry entered the field for Molly Owen.

The second half of play saw a shift in possession, as Cambridge seemed to find their legs and began to dominate possession. 

Kate Halley came in for Anastasia Kraja in the 63rd minute and added some more speed and energy up top as Cambridge pushed for the equalizer. Sydney Taylor and Genevieve Morgan came in for Danielle Sauve and Annick Lariviere in the 75th minute to further the visitors' hopes. 

In a final push, Hayley Mackie and Kay-Lynn McCall stepped on for Allison Beaumont and Emily Porteous in the 86th minute.

Despite an increase in possession and chances created, Cambridge failed to find the back of the net on the night as they fell 1-0. Mitchell was a key difference maker in keeping Cambridge in the game until the very end with multiple point-blank saves.