WINNIPEG – Thanks to a goal in the closing minutes, the #1 Trinity Western Spartans beat the Bisons in Manitoba's home opener at the West Turf Fields on Friday September 14.
 
With less than 10 seconds left in the game Trinity Western forward Seina Kashima received a corner kick from teammate Sierra Halldorson. Kashima placed the ball in the top right corner of the net to win the game 1-0. Having held steady for 89 minutes, Bison head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas said she is very proud of her team.
 
"They played an amazing game. To be able to keep that team at bay for 89 minutes I'd say is a huge accomplishment," said Lagunas.
 
During the first half, the Bisons struggled to break down the organized composure that Trinity Western had, spending most of the half on defence. The Spartans played a quick and determined offense to no result.

Coming out of the first half both teams played with renewed energy. Freshman midfielder Nicole Davis pushed the ball down the field for the Bisons with speed and determination but was stopped by Trinity Western's Brooklyn Tidder before she was able to shoot. Trinity Western put up 14 shots throughout the game including two headers from Tidder.
 
Hailey Lavarias nearly scored for the Bisons at the 85-minute mark. After a struggle to gain control of the ball she dribbled through two defenders sending a shot just inches over the net.

Martinez Lagunas said that the team has been working hard and that they have been learning huge lessons in practice but that Trinity Western is a very talented team.
 
Throughout the second half, Kashima proved to be a threat to the Bison defence, dribbling through numerous Bison defenders at the 67 and 72-minute marks. Kashima is ranked first in shots on net and fourth in points in the Canadian conference.

The Bisons, now 1-1-1, look forward to the second game of their weekend series tomorrow night at 6 PM vs. the Fraser Valley Cascades. Trinity Western heads across town to take on the Winnipeg Wesmen.