The Bison women's soccer team opens their 13th season in U SPORTS action at home as they host the Regina Cougars on Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m. CT and then play Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. CT. Both matches at Turf Fields (West side) at U of M Fort Garry campus.
This is a massive season for the Bison women's soccer program as they have already earned a berth into the national championship as host of the 2017 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship from November 9-12.
Last season, Manitoba played against both teams twice during the conference regular season. In 2016, the Bisons tied 0-0 (Sept. 18) at home and lost 2-1 (Oct. 15) on the road to Regina while versus Saskatchewan, the Herd lost 1-0 (Sept. 17) at home and tied 0-0 (Oct. 16) on the road. The last time the Bisons defeated the Huskies was back in the 2009 season (W 4-0 at home on Sept. 19). Manitoba has only lost once to Regina in the last five conference regular season games.
Heading into the 2017 campaign, the Bisons return 2016 Canada West All-Star and team captain
Amanda Wong at the midfielder position in her third year and have an international roster by adding top major recruit
Florin Wagner from Germany to a lineup that already has Brazilian forward
Bruna Mavignier and USA midfielder
Abby Eggers. In addition to co-captains
Sara Schur (third year midfielder) and
Alanna Shaw (third year forward), the squad has returning second year defender
Shaylyn Dyck and also have added newcomer
Justina Jarmoszko at the goalkeeper position for a run at a title.
Manitoba plays the first four of six Canada West matches at home to start the 2017 season.
Tickets for women's soccer home matches are $5 adults and available at the Turf Fields.
Bison Notes: In 2006, Manitoba finished with a 4-7-3 conference regular season record and made the playoffs in sixth place in the Prairie Division and 11th overall in Canada West. The Bisons then upset the top ranked team in the Prairie Division and #5 Calgary Dinos on the road by a 1-0 win in the conference Prairie Division Play-in for their first playoff victory since the 2008 season. The Herd advanced to the Canada West Select Six and played the UBC Thunderbirds (L 2-0).
