LETHBRIDGE – In a defensive battle for 90 minutes, the Manitoba Bisons were able to do just enough thanks to a second half goal by Tabata Bravo, handing the Lethbridge Pronghorns a 1-0 defeat in Lethbridge Saturday afternoon at the Community Sport Stadium.
 
Bravo's second half goal (second of her career) stood up as the game winner even though the Pronghorns came narrowly close to earning a third tie of the season in the dying moments. 
 
The win lifts the Bisons record to the .500 mark at 6-6-1, while the Pronghorns now fall to 0-11-2 with one game remaining in the season. 
 
Despite the Bisons holding the advantage in possession in the early going, neither team was able to generate much in terms of quality opportunities to open the scoring. Manitoba had trio of corner kicks but were unable to take advantage. 
 
In the 28^th minute, the Bisons nearly opened the scoring, however Bison leading scorer Bianca Cavalcanti's header rang off the crossbar. Only minutes later Cavalcanti hand another dangerous chance, seeing her shot just sail over the bar. 
 
Newly subbed into the game for the Bisons, Jenna Kunkel nearly opened the scoring, finding herself all alone in front, and while she beat Horns keeper Erin Gill she didn't beat the bottom right post. 
 
Thirty eight minutes into the match, the Pronghorns had their first opportunity with Kaleigh Harris taking a quality through ball from Tory Clements, but a charging Karina Bagi was able to get apiece of Harris' shot and deflect it out of harms way. 
 
Off the Pronghorns first corner of the game, just shy of half time, Hailey Slobodian swung the ball into the box and chaos ensued. Mercedes Bourgeois and Harris both had looks at goal but both were blocked by Bison defenders.
 
Shot attempts at the end of the opening half favoured the Bisons 16-to-4 with Manitoba hitting the net four times compared two for the Pronghorns. 
 
After holding the majority of the possession again to start the second half, the Bisons were rewarded in the 61^st minute. Bianca Bucci launched a high ball to Tabata Bravo at the back post and Bravo's header looped over Pronghorn keeper Erin Gill for her first goal of the season. 
 
Looking to respond in the 78^th minute, Pronghorn striker Hailey Slobodian had a good look from just outside the Bison penalty area, but her shot narrowly slid wide. 
Continuing to look for the equalizer, midfielder Tory Clements forced Bison keeper Karina Bagi into making a outstanding diving save in the 82^nd minute. 
 
Off free kick in stoppage time, Slobodian was razor close to earning the Pronghorns a tie but her shot from 22 yards out found the crossbar.
 
The Bison finished the match with 25 shot attempts to the Pronghorns nine and held a 9-to-3 advantage in shots on goal. 
 
The Pronghorns will close out the 2022 Canada West season tomorrow afternoon, hosting the Winnipeg Wesmen, kick-off is slated for 12:00 pm at the Community Sports Stadium. The Bisons will travel to Calgary to conclude their Alberta road trip with a match up with the Mount Royal Cougars.