Box Score WINNIPEG - After a 3-1 loss to Saskatchewan on a scorcher of a Friday night, the Bisons women's soccer team were looking to cool off the undefeated Regina Cougars on Saturday afternoon.
 
Despite a tough fight in a game that remained scoreless for 88 minutes, a late Regina goal would be the difference, as the Cougars (2-0-0) beat the Bisons (0-2-0) at the University of Manitoba turf fields by a final of 1-0.
 
The winning goal was scored by Cougars midfielder Jayde McFee with 90 seconds left in the second half, as she snuck behind a defender, forced a steal, and pitched it over Bisons keeper Martina Arrans to seal the win.
 
After a loss under the lights the previous night, the Bisons came out with some early afternoon pressure; by keeping Cougars players in front of them in Regina's zone, they were able to keep the visiting team on their heels.  However, this didn't create any real scoring chances until 15 minutes in, when two great balls into the box fell untouched to keep the game scoreless.
 
After that, Regina's speed took over, as they were able to get away from Bisons pressure and earn a few breaks into the scoring zone.  As Manitoba was unable to create meaningful possessions for the rest of the first half, two great chances for Cougars forwards Veronica Boesch and Tayler Firth just missed wide.  Both teams came back to their benches empty after 45 minutes.
 
The second half started much the same, with Regina dominating possession. The Bisons returned to their early defensive form though, and earned a pair of chances for defender Elyce Molyneaux and midfielder Maryn Haswell, missing wide and high respectively.  An even better chance for the home team came with 28 minutes left, but a diving save from Cougars keeper Kacey McFee stopped what looked to be a sure goal from just outside the box for Bisons forward Courtney Addison.  The stop saved her personal shutout, as well as her team's chances in the game.
 
Regina and Manitoba went back and forth late, desperate to break the tie. With the seconds ticking down, it was the aforementioned Jayde McFee who scored the winning goal, keeping her team undefeated, and keeping the Bisons winless in their home opening weekend.

The Bisons women's soccer team now head out on the road for the first time in the regular season, playing in Calgary on Saturday, September 14th.  Kickoff is at 12:00 p.m. CST.  Regina's women's soccer team will head to Saskatchewan to play the Huskies on Saturday, September 14th.  Kickoff is at 1 p.m. CST.
 
Written by: John Gaudes