Two Bisons teams travelled to Saskatoon this past weekend for the first road action of 2021-22. Bisons soccer continued their new trend of back-to-backs against the same team on Friday and Saturday, while Bisons football played their only exhibition game of the 2021 season at Griffiths Stadium.

Women's Soccer at Saskatchewan – Friday, September 17

Box Score | Home Recap

In the weekend opener, the Bisons found themselves behind early as the Huskies scored three straight goals in the first 32 minutes of play. Manitoba would push back, including a third season goal for first-year forward Bianca Cavalcanti, but ultimately came up short in a 3-2 loss.

After a season-opening split against Regina, the loss pushed the Bisons to a record of 1-2-0.

Cavalcanti's marker came at the 35-minute mark, as for the second straight match she was awarded a penalty shot — this time for being taken down in the box herself. Shortly after, the Bisons nearly had another goal, as first-year Paris Sidhu sped to a breakaway. Unfortunately, veteran goalkeeper Jadyn Steinhauer was up to the task.

The other Bisons goal came off the foot of Alex Paul in the 60^th minute, set up by Breyanna Johnston-Krulicki.

"We played a fantastic second half and almost came back," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas on Friday night. "The great thing about soccer is that there is always a new opportunity. We will be ready for tomorrow."

Women's Soccer at Saskatchewan – Saturday, September 18

Box Score | Home Recap

Early scoring was again the difference on Saturday, as the Huskies scored twice in 20 minutes to establish a 2-0 lead — much like the night before.

Though Manitoba would once again be on the attack in the second half, getting a goal back thanks to Jessica Tsai, a couple late Saskatchewan markers made the match look more lopsided than it was — earning a 4-1 victory to finish a weekend sweep.

The loss dropped the Bisons to 1-3-0. Next up is a pair of home matches against Winnipeg, the first of which on Thursday continues a Duckworth Challenge tradition.

On an unseasonably warm evening at Griffiths, Winnipegger Jessica Tsai had perhaps the nicest goal of the evening, showing off her shot strength from distance. On a free kick from just outside the box, Tsai ensured the Bisons took care of business on a set pieces, launching a shot into the top-left corner of the net to make the score 2-1.

"It was a fantastic goal and it definitely gave us life again," said Martinez Lagunas on Saturday. "It brought the momentum to us."

Unfortunately, the Bisons couldn't get any closer. Goals by the Huskies in the 83^rd and 86^th put things out of reach, securing a 3-0-1 start to the season for Saskatchewan as they sit atop the newly-formed East Division of Canada West women's soccer.

Football at Saskatchewan – Saturday, September 18

Box Score | Home Recap

Prior to women's soccer taking the field, Bisons football played their first game in two years — kicking off their lone exhibition game of the 2021 schedule against the Huskies.

Both teams played their starters in a first half where defense dominated, as the Huskies went into the break nursing an 8-6 lead. Bisons fifth-year quarterback Des Catellier went 7-for-13 for 82 yards, including a long pass of 25 yards to rookie Gavin Cobb; Cobb would lead Manitoba in receiving with two grabs totalling 48 yards.

With both teams wanting to get a look at two years' worth of recruits, the second half was dominated by youth. Saskatchewan would eventually break the game open in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points in the frame to secure a 31-14 win.

For the Bisons, first-year quarterback Jordan Hanslip navigated the team's most successful offensive series of the second half — a nine-play, 109-yard drive that finished with a six yard touchdown pass to running back Breydon Stubbs just as time was about to expire.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bisons struggled to finish Huskie drives, giving up 32 first downs in the game. Brandon Slobozian led the Herd with six solo tackles, while Marcel Arruda-Welch and Brody Williams both tallied interceptions.

Manitoba now looks forward to their home and season opener next Saturday, September 25 as they take on the Regina Rams in the annual Homecoming Game.