Newfoundland and Labrador’s Holy Cross FC made history today, claiming both the men’s Challenge Cup and women’s Jubilee national soccer titles in St. John’s.
It was the third national championship in four years for the women who defeated the rival Trident of Quebec 2-1 at King George V pitch.
Jessie Noseworthy scored early, in just the 4th minute, and tournament MVP Teri Murphy headed home the winner on a beautiful cross off a free kick in the 60th minute to send the local fans into a frenzy.
NL’s Holy Cross FC go up 2-0 vs Quebec at national Jubilee final at King George V pitch in St. John’s. pic.twitter.com/oPWwdJgqqx
— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) October 13, 2025
Noseworthy said it was special to win it on the mainland, but on another level to win at home.
“It means everything,” she said. “We’ve been playing together for a really long time and we won a couple of times away but it’s extra special to do it here at home, and it was just so special to score in front of the home crowd.”
Quebec made it interesting with a goal in the final minutes but Holy Cross held on for the win and the title.
Quebec were the defending champions, while Holy Cross regained the podium following back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Not to be outdone, the Holy Cross men then took the field in the final against Ontario, dramatically scoring late in the match to tie it 1-1, and winning 5-4 on penalty kicks courtesy of keeper Thomas Pieroway.
BREAKING || Historic day in NL sports as both men and women’s senior soccer teams claim national titles on home turf on same day at King George V. pic.twitter.com/FP9oPysny7
— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) October 13, 2025
Veteran player and coach Jake Stanford also made history in managing both sides to victory.
Stanford is also a two-time AUS men’s soccer Coach of the Year with the MUN Sea-Hawks.
It’s the second national title for an NL men’s team, with the first coming back in 1988.
