WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons women's soccer team needs every point they can get as they push for a playoff spot over their last four regular season games. On Friday night, they got one at the UM Turf Fields — as they battled the East division-leading Saskatchewan Huskies to a 0-0 draw.

The Bisons had a shot on goal advantage of 8-5 in the draw and spent much of the first half on the forward foot. This was readily apparent at the outset, as Manitoba had six of the first seven shots in the match — including an opportunity in the box at 10' for forward Bianca Cavalcanti, which was deflected wide by Huskies keeper Jadyn Steinhauer.

"We had great communication and organization," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas.

"Tonight was a big team effort, from the forwards to [Bisons keeper] Karina [Bagi] — everyone helped to defend and we had a lot of good chances in the first half. For tomorrow, we want to do a better job of capitalizing on those chances and continuing our great defensive work."

The Manitoba opportunities kept flying in the first half, as the outside speed of forward Nicole Davis resulted in two breaks on the net. On the first at 23', Davis got ahead of her defender but was veered to the side of the box, allowing Steinhauer to get the angle and make the save. The second chance came at 35', as Cavalcanti sent a gorgeous bicycle pass to Davis — again ahead of the field — but Steinhauer was again able to pick the correct spot.

In the second half, the Huskies began to impose their will on the match, taking over more of the possession time and beginning to threaten with opportunities. Credit to the Bisons, though, who had a bend-but-not-break attitude in the final 20 minutes while under serious pressure.

Saskatchewan's best chance came at 71', as a cross from outside the box just skipped beyond the foot of Maya Gabruch — who tried to extend but couldn't finish the sure goal.

The result moves the Huskies to 6-1-2 on the season, while Manitoba moves to 4-4-1.

The Bisons are now in a tie for the second and final playoff spot in the Canada West east division, as both they and the Regina Cougars have 13 points. The Cougars were idle tonight, playing Winnipeg tomorrow and Sunday.

The Bisons and Huskies meet again on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the West Turf Field. Fans can watch the match on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.