The Montreal Roses took decisive action by parting ways with their inaugural head coach, Robert Rositoiu, following their elimination from the W Canadian Championship. Marinette Pichon, the club’s sporting director, made the announcement the day after the team’s exit, expressing gratitude for Rositoiu’s foundational work in building the professional women’s soccer club from the ground up. Despite the respect for Rositoiu’s professionalism, the decision to seek a new direction was deemed necessary to propel the club forward for the rest of the season and future growth.
Currently holding the second spot in the Northern Super League (NSL) with 27 points, the Roses have 10 remaining matches in the regular season. Rositoiu took on the role of head coach in September 2024 in preparation for the team’s debut season in the NSL in 2025.
In the interim, Maryse Bard-Martel, the team’s first assistant coach and head of goalkeeping, will step in as the temporary head coach while the club undertakes the search for a permanent replacement for Rositoiu. Bard-Martel will lead the team in their upcoming match against AFC Toronto on Sunday.