WINNIPEG – After having their home opener on an indoor pitch, the Manitoba Bison women's soccer team returned to the friendly confines of the University of Manitoba Turf Fields on Saturday, September 5 to take on the UBC Okanagan Heat. A physical match ensued, with both teams scoring within two minutes of halftime to end the match in a 1-1 tie.
UBCO's goal came in the 44th minute, with Courtney Hemmerling setting up Kaylin Ferguson. Manitoba's lone goal came in the 48th, with Alana Shaw scoring her first CIS goal, getting an assist from Selina Speranza.
After Friday's win over Thompson Rivers, the Bisons are now 1-0-1, the same record as UBCO.
"It was a tough, rough and physical game. I also think you could see some tired legs," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas. "That [UBCO goal] was an unlucky play in the last seconds of the first half, but we learn from those errors."
"I really like how they came back in the second half, we got the early goal… so that was key. I love the fact that they kept fighting until the last minute of the game to get the win."
With winds dying down just before kick off, both teams came out aggressively with goal scoring chances. Manitoba had the first opportunity at the nine-minute mark, as Alyssa Robinson put an impressive cross into the box for Bruna Mavignier – already with a pair of goals this weekend – but the attempt was cleared at the last minute.
Bisons goalkeeper Chloe Werle was busy after that, fending off a particularly tough Michelle Smith shot in the 28th minute. Defender Elyce Molyneaux also saved the Bisons, getting a head on a cross that sailed over Werle in the 32nd minute, one that would've surely ended in a Hemmerling goal.
The Heat's goal came from the right side of the box, as Ferguson bent a gorgeous ball into the far corner to put her team up at halftime. Manitoba responded quickly, though, as Shaw scored from the left side of the box after receiving a pass from Speranza.
Opportunities followed but neither team could capitalize. UBCO midfielder Madelyn Ellis had an open shot in the 61st minute from the top of the box, but sent it wide left. Ellis would get another chance 20 minutes later, but a more difficult shot went over the net.
Manitoba now looks forward to two weekends on the road. Their next game is on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. CST, as they'll take on the Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon. On Sunday, September 13 at the same time, they'll be in Regina to play the Cougars.
UBC Okanagan, meanwhile, will play their next game against UNBC on Friday, September 11. Game time is 7 p.m. PST.
Written by: John Gaudes