Junelle Mah, Griffins Athletics

The MacEwan University Griffins women's soccer team opened their Canada West (CW) at home with a 2-2 tie against the University of Manitoba Bisons. The Griffins' regular season record stands at 0-2-1 while the Bisons' is now 2-1-2.

The Griffins came out strong in the first half, limiting the Bisons high-powered offense. MacEwan University would strike first in the 13^th minute when fifth-year defender Marlea Moroz (Prince George, BC) found fellow veteran Sheena Tracey (Edmonton, AB). Tracey's shot went top right, out of reach of Bisons' fifth-year keeper Chloe Werle (Winnipeg, MB).

Fast forward to the 39^th minute, first-year Griffins midfielder Suekiana Choucair (Edmonton, AB) danced and dodged the Bisons to net her first university career CW goal. On the assist was fifth-year fellow midfielder Erika Vecchio (Edmonton, AB).

The second half saw the Bisons swap keepers and exert pressure on the Griffins. Manitoba got on the board in the 49^th minute when first-year Bisons forward Alanna Shaw (Winnnipeg, MB) beat third-year Griffins keeper Rebecca Reif (Edmonton, AB), assisted by fifth-year defender Elyce Molyneaux (Winnipeg, MB).

There were multiple shots on both ends of the pitch for the Griffins and Bisons, and kept Reif and Bisons substitute Madison Wildford (Winnipeg, MB, first-year) busy between the pipes. In the 87^th minute Manitoba tied the game at 2 courtesy of fifth-year midfielder Megan Graca (Thunder Bay, ON), assisted by Shaw. The final whistle ended with a 2-2 draw. Tomorrow's action will have the Griffins will take on the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, while the Bisons travel to Calgary to take on the Mount Royal University Cougars.

Players of the Game
GMU: Sheena Tracey
MAN: Alanna Shaw

Goals
GMU: 2 + 0 = 2
MAN: 0 + 2 = 2

Scoring
First Half: 13^th min GMU Sheena Tracey (assisted by Marlea Moroz), 39^th min GMU Suekiana Choucair (assisted by Erika Vecchio)

Second Half: 49^th min MAN Alanna Shaw (assisted by Elyce Molyneaux), 87^th min MAN Megan Graca (assisted by Alanna Shaw)

Keepers
GMU
Rebecca Reif: 9 saves, 2 goals allowed

MAN
Chloe Werle: 2 saves, 2 goals allowed
Madison Wilford: 5 saves