Football
The Bisons dropped their season opener earlier this month, falling to the University of Regina Rams by a score of 45-11. The Rams held Manitoba’s offence at bay nearly the entire game, allowing a total of only three points through the final two quarters. Regina’s defence also accounted for 22 of the team’s 45 points, returning a first quarter fumble and scoring majors on two separate pass interceptions.
The final score, however, did not accurately depict the story of Saturday’s game as Manitoba actually led Regina in first downs, net rushing yards, possession time and pass completions.
The Bisons were ultimately undone by their turnovers, as the U of M squad suffered a staggering eight total interceptions to Regina’s zero.
DL Adam Hindley was named the Bison Sports Athlete of the Week for his effort, accumulating one sack and 4.5 tackles in the game at Mosaic Stadium.
Following their first loss of the season, the Bisons regrouped to take on conference rival University of Alberta in Manitoba’s Sept. 11 home opener. Manitoba took the fight to Alberta in the first half but the Bisons ultimately couldn’t defend a Golden Bears attack that put up 21 points in a fast paced second half.
Bisons running back Matt Henry had 21 carries for 134 net yards on the game but Manitoba failed to score a touchdown in regulation. Manitoba’s six points of total offence came off field goals converted by kicker Nick Naylor in the first and second quarter.
With their second loss of the season, the Bisons now find themselves sitting in last place in the Canada West conference. Manitoba will face UBC next in an away game on Sept. 18.
The game was broadcast live across Western Canada on Shaw television channels and on UMFM 101.5.
Soccer
A late rally and a goal in the 87th minute of play was all that kept the Bisons soccer team from claiming a victory over Victoria in their first game of the 2010 season. Both teams spent the better part of the 90 minute match fighting through gusts of wind until the Bisons started to connect in the offensive zone.
Victoria netminder Stephanie Parker came up big on several chances, keeping the game scoreless, until Bisons captain Meagan Smith converted Manitoba’s first goal of the season, putting the home team up by a score of 1-0. With only a handful of minutes left in regulation,
Victoria finally managed to get on the scoreboard, securing both the tie and the salvaged point at the Winnipeg Outdoor Soccer Complex.
The following day, the women’s soccer team played host to visiting Fraser Valley, dropping the game by a score of 1-0. Gusting winds continued to play a factor as the Bisons outshot Fraser Valley 9-7 but were unable to put the ball passed Cascades goaltender Chantelle Biagioni. The loss puts Manitoba at a 0-1-1 record heading to BC for back-to-back away games on Sept. 17-18.
Earlier this month, Bison Sports officially introduced fourth year midfielder Meagan Smith and third year defender Julie Lafreniere as the team captains for the 2010 Bisons soccer team.
The 2010 squad is also led by newly appointed interim coach Chris Lewis, who replaced former head coach Walt McKee after McKee stepped down due to medical reasons.
