Box Score The University of Alberta Pandas soccer team earned a 2-0 victory over the visiting Manitoba Bisons to open the 2016 Canada West women's soccer season, Friday, September 9 night at Foote Field.

Brenna Mattiello and Madison Szafranski scored for Alberta on opening night, while sophomore keeper Cassie Bazzarelli stopped all three shots she faced to earn the clean sheet.

Alberta, coming off a disappointing result a year ago, came out strong against Manitoba, garnering an early 5-2 shot advantage. Third-year forward Sydney Daines made an immediate impact in her first match for Alberta, as she was turned aside on her first shot on goal, before setting up Mattiello on a gorgeous cross into the box in the 33rd minute.

Alberta applied tremendous pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, firing nine shots on goal, but were unable to beat Maddie Wilford to extend their lead.

Wilford continued her strong performance in the second half, turning aside multiple scoring chances from the Pandas, including another great look from inside the box for Daines. The Pandas, who controlled nearly 75% of possession, continued to gain great scoring looks from inside of 25 yards in the second half, struggled to get a ball past Wilford, who finished the night with an incredible 11 saves.

Selina Speranza had easily the best opportunity for Manitoba to even the match in the 80th minute, but her left-footed strike from distance was turned aside by Bazzarelli.

Alberta would eventually add the insurance marker in the 89th minute, as Szafranski, a second half substitute, chipped a rebound over a sprawled Wilford for her first career Canada West goal.

Following the loss, the Manitoba Bisons will remain on the road, as they travel to Prince George to take on the UNBC Timberwolves on Sunday, September 11 at 2 p.m. CT. Alberta, meanwhile, will stay home, with a match scheduled for 2 p.m. MT on Sunday against the visiting Winnipeg Wesmen.