Junelle Mah, Griffins Athletics
Edmonton, AB…..The MacEwan University Griffins tied the number 9 CIS-ranked Trinity Western University (TWU) Spartans 1-1 in their first-ever Canada West (CW) match-up in their program's history at home in Edmonton today. The Griffins' record is now 3-3-2 while the Spartans' is 5-1-2. The Griffins are now undefeated against BC-based university programs.
Fresh off wins yesterday, the Griffins 2-1 over the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades and the Spartans 5-0 over the Mount Royal University Cougars, both teams came out at full strength, ready for battle.
An intensely physical and athletic half saw impressive tackles and multiple shots from both teams. Griffins' first-year keeper Emily Burns, Sherwood Park, AB and Spartans' keeper Ally Williamson, Langley, BC were tested throughout the half. In the 43rd minute, fifth-year forward Sheena Tracey, Edmonton, AB made a timely pass to first-year forward Meagan Lemoine, Edmonton, AB. Lemoine's shot went top-right off the glove of Williamson for the Griffins first-ever goal against the Spartans. At the half, MacEwan University held a 1-0 lead.
Second-half action saw the Spartans respond quickly with a goal in the 50th minute from fourth-year forward Isabella Di Trocchio, Burnaby, BC. Fourth-year forward Krista Gommeringer, Calgary, AB earned the assist.
The remainder of the match continued to be a fierce battle between the two teams, with fights for the ball being won in the midfield and strong defending from all positions on the pitch. Three consecutive Spartan corner kicks were unable produce results, while the Griffins offensive attacks were stopped by Williamson. After multiple Spartan substitutions and the Griffins exchanging a forward for a defender, the clock ran out at a 1-1 tie.
The Griffins will remain at home in Jasper Place Bowl (8950-163 Street) next weekend for their Saturday, October 10th 12:00 p.m. MST match against their traveling partner, the Cougars. The Spartans are off until Tuesday, October 13th when they host their lower mainland rival, the Cascades, at their Langley, BC-based campus (7600 Glover Road).
Players of the Game
Griffins: Meagan Lemoine
Spartans: Alessandra Oliverio
Scoring
Griffins: 1 + 0 = 1
Spartans: 0 + 1 = 1
Goals
43rd minute: Griffins Meagan Lemoine (Sheena Tracey)
50th minute: Spartans Isabella Di Trocchio (Krista Gommeringer)
Keepers
Griffins: Emily Burns 1 saves, 1 goals allowed
Spartans: Ally Williamson 10 saves, 1 goals allowed
Shots on goal
Griffins: 11
Spartans: 5
Corner Kicks
Griffins: 7
Spartans: 1