WINNIPEG – Headed into the final weekend of conference play, the Manitoba Bison women's soccer team had high hopes for their first ever Canada West home playoff game. The first of two all-important games this weekend took place on Saturday, October 24, as they played the Regina Cougars at the University of Manitoba Turf Fields.
Thanks to a good start to the second half and a strong defensive outing, they improved their chances of that home playoff game with a 1-0 win. They now improve to 7-4-2 and, for the moment, sit two points ahead of MacEwan for third place in the East Division. The top three teams host the first weekend of playoff action.
Manitoba got their lone goal from Selina Speranza, her fourth of the season, which was assisted by first-year Alyssa Daley. Regina, meanwhile, was held scoreless and falls to 1-10-2.
Despite the result, the Cougars may have surprised the Bisons with their start to this game. Midfielder Brianna Wright was busy, with a shot in the 2nd minute going just wide of the net and another in the 15th saved by a diving Madison Wilford.
Regina's goalkeeper was strong early too, as Savannah Williams made big saves on Selina Speranza and Alanna Shaw to keep the game scoreless at half.
Manitoba, though, came out quicker and more engaged in the second half. Just two minutes in, in the 47th, Speranza got on the board thanks to a beautiful ball from Daley. Catching up to it, she came into the Regina box unhindered, dropping a shot into the back of the net.
"At halftime we said, guys, we're doing a great job, we just need to be lethal," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas. "Regina was really well organized defensively, you know, I'm just really happy for us. I'm really proud of the girls who were able to manage the win."
The Bisons continued aggressively for the rest of the second half, with Megan Graca setting the tone with her midfield possession. An insurance goal nearly came in the 70th, as Camille Plett got one off in traffic. Williams made the save but, unfortunately for her team, the Bisons defense simply kept them off the board.
"Extremely proud of the defensive work that the team did throughout the whole 90 minutes," said Lagunas. "From the goalkeeper to the defensive line, and all the lines, I feel like the forwards were also doing a great job… They did a great job, I'm just completely proud of the team."
The Bisons complete their weekend tomorrow afternoon against division-leading Saskatchewan. Kick off at the University of Manitoba Turf Fields is set for 2 p.m.
Written by: John Gaudes