WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons showed flashes of promise in Fabio Capone's debut as interim head coach, but a pair of second-half goals lifted the Calgary Dinos to a 2-1 victory in the 2026 Canada West women's soccer season opener Friday night at East Turf Field.
Manitoba came out on the front foot, forcing pressure before opening the scoring just before the end of the first half. Mackenzie Munro-Flora, one of Manitoba's key offseason additions, scored her first Canada West goal to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
The Dinos gradually settled into the game and created several chances of their own. Addi White missed narrowly on a pair of attempts, while Brooke Batty generated pressure from multiple corner kicks. Calgary's best opportunity of the first half came in the 25th minute when Batty tested Manitoba goalkeeper Kailey Johnston-Krulicki, who made the save to keep the match scoreless.
Calgary kept the chances coming in the second half, when Jaden Tomaszewski struck the post and Sofia DiGiacomo converted the ensuing pressure moments later to level the match at 1-1.
The visitors grabbed the winner in the 66th minute when substitute Kaleigh Major found the back of the net shortly after entering the game.
Manitoba continued to push for an equalizer. Taleesa Minnaar nearly tied the contest in the 75th minute, but Calgary's netminder, Cheridan Johnson made the save on a dangerous header. Johnston-Krulicki also came up with an important stop on Ella Djuranic late in the second half to keep the Bisons within striking distance.
The match grew increasingly physical down the stretch, with both teams receiving yellow cards, but Manitoba was unable to find a late breakthrough.
Munro-Flora's goal provided an encouraging start to her Bisons career, while Johnston-Krulicki made key saves to keep Manitoba in the contest throughout the evening. Despite the result, the home side showed resilience against a Calgary squad that capitalized on its second-half opportunities.
The two teams conclude their opening weekend series Saturday at East Turf Field. Tickets can be claimed online here.
