SASKATOON -- After having their season-opener rescheduled to Sunday due to rain, the Manitoba Bisons were eager to play a full 90 as they took on Saskatchewan on Saturday night. Weather played a factor once more, with the game being delayed at halftime for 90 minutes, but it didn't stop the Herd, who took momentum in the second half, scoring the lone goal in the 62nd minute for a 1-0 win.
The victory was the Bisons' first on the road against the Huskies since 2008, and first victory in regular season play versus Saskatchewan since 2017.
Bisons veteran goalkeeper
Karina Bagi had an excellent game, recording seven saves for the fifth shutout of her university career. She was also instrumental in the game's only goal.
Bagi demonstrated great vision and patience, delivering a left-footer from her crease that lifted past the heads of multiple Huskies defenders and into the back line. From there, forward
Janelle Chomini, who played 27 minutes in the second half, got possession. The ball eventually landed at the feet of 2021 U SPORTS All-Rookie member
Bianca Cavalcanti, who lifted it over the head of Huskies goalie Nadia Kalyar, who was just off her line. The goal was the tenth in regular season play for Cavalcanti.
The Bisons led in shots at halftime, at 7-4, getting quality opportunities all through the lineup. Defender
Bianca Bucci -- whose lead pass helped result in Manitoba's first goal of the season last night against Regina -- nearly repeated the feat against the Huskies. Once again she found Cavalcanti dashing down the left flank, and her pass to captain
Jessica Tsai from 20 yards out resulted in a quality chance, but Kalyar was right there.
Dalima Chhibber, a veteran of India's national team, helped produce the Bisons' other quality chance in the first half when she blasted a free kick into the Huskies end that was fielded by
Breyanna Johnston-Krulicki. The Bisons' goal-scorer in yesterday's rescheduled game blasted a shot from close range, but Kalyar made a great save diving to her right.
The Huskies out-shot Manitoba 5-1 in the second half and pressed on many occasions, including five corner kicks, but were unable to solve Bagi and a secure Bisons back line. Defensively, the likes of Bucci, Johnston-Krulicki,
Shannon Lee,
Rebecca Waterman,
Hailey Witko and
Britney Blunderfield did a great job of keeping Saskatchewan to the outside. The hosts best chance came in the 40th minute, when forward Cheyenne Lehmann found space from 12 yards out, but Bagi remained in solid position to made the save.
With the win, Manitoba advances to 1-0-0, while Saskatchewan falls to 1-1-0. The Bisons continue their season tomorrow against Regina, with the game -- which was stopped due to rain -- being re-started at the 16-minute mark in a 1-1 tie.
