Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics
LETHBRIDGE – Closing out the opening weekend of the Canada West women's soccer season, the Alberta Pandas scored three times in the opening half, including twice in the final three minutes to propel them to their second straight victory, 3-0 over the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
Morgan Corbett, Brooke Lang and Brenna Mattiello scored for the Pandas, while Rebecca Reif earned her first shutout of the season.
After opening the season with a 2-1 win over the Calgary Dinos yesterday the Pandas are off to a 2-0-0 start the Canada West season.
The Pronghorns fall to 0-2-0 coming off back-to-back shutout losses.
The first dangerous chance went to the Pandas. Off a free kick from 28-yards out, Aly Parth's shot was pushed over the bar by goalkeeper Chelsey Galbraith. On the ensuing corner kick, Morgan Corbett got on the end of Brenna Mattiello's corner and headed home her second of the season to give the Pandas the lead.
In the 18th minute, the Pandas nearly doubled their lead as Karissa McNutt's shot just sailed over the crossbar.
However, the Pandas did double their lead in the 42nd minute. Brooke Lang was able to poke a loose ball just over the goal line during a scramble in front.
During stoppage time in the first half, Brenna Mattiello added to the Pandas lead, volleying home her second of the season.
The Pronghorns best chance of the first half came off the foot of rookie Grace Taylor but her shot missed just high.
After having difficulty breaking through Pandas in the opening half, the Pronghorns had some good pressure to start the second half and were nearly rewarded only five minutes in. Grace Taylor's shot from just inside the penalty was blocked by a Panda defender.
Continuing with their strong ball possession, the Pandas had chances to extend their lead. Mackenna Parks had a clear path to the net but Hanna Quinn, who replaced Galbraith at the half, turned Parks shot aside with a nice diving save.
Final Game stats heavily favoured the Alberta Pandas, attempting 22 shots finding the mark eight times. The Pronghorns were credited with just a single shot on goal. The Pandas had eight corners compared to two for the Pronghorns.
The Pronghorn head out on the road next weekend, traveling west to face the UBC Thunderbirds and the Victoria Vikes. Next up for the Alberta Pandas will be a pair of home dates, hosting the Thompson River WolfPack and UBCO Heat.
Photo by: MPP Photography