The Bisons soccer team throttled the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 3-0 in a match at the East Turf Field on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Bisons’ dominance was evident from the opening whistle, with the team controlling the tempo of the game and creating scoring opportunities at will.
The first half showed a strong performance by the Bisons, with the team scoring three goals and outshooting their opponents 6-0.
The Bisons’ first corner kick came in the third minute [3:12], and they followed it up with another in the 13th minute [13:34], but neither made it in.
The persistence paid off when Pronghorns goalkeeper, Heidi Andres, opened the scoring in the 14th minute [14:43], deflecting a corner kick from Breyanna Johnston-Krulicki into her own net. The momentum shifted firmly in the Bisons’ favour.
Sarina Mann doubled the Bisons’ lead just before halftime, scoring her third goal of the season in the 34th minute [34:00]. Bianca Cavalcanti’s dribbling down the right flank created chaos in the Pronghorns’ penalty area, and her pass found Mann, who slotted the ball past Andres. The Pronghorns tried to respond, but the Bisons’ defense was solid, and they were unable to create any significant threats.
The Bisons were not done yet, as Mia Fonseca notched her first goal of the season just a minute after Mann’s strike [35:00]. Fonseca’s finish was clinical, thanks to an assist from Mann, who continued to torment the Pronghorns’ defense. The Pronghorns made two substitutions towards the end of the first half, but it was too little, too late.
The second half was a more subdued affair, with both teams creating fewer scoring opportunities. The Bisons’ defense, marshalled by their backline, comfortably saw out the game, with goalkeeper Holly Dyker making two crucial saves to deny the Pronghorns any scoring.
The Pronghorns began the second half with three changes, while the Bisons made one.
The Bisons continued to create scoring opportunities, with Mann and Cavalcanti attempting to score in the 52nd and 55th minutes [52:20 and 55:37], respectively. However, Andres made several key saves to deny the Bisons goals. The Bisons made several substitutions throughout the second half, giving all their players a chance to contribute to the win.
The statistics underscored the Bisons’ dominance, with the team registering 11 shots to Lethbridge’s three. The Bisons also enjoyed more set-piece opportunities, earning six corner kicks to the Pronghorns’ one. Andres, despite the own goal, made seven saves, while Dyker made two.
The foul tally was almost evenly matched, with the Bisons committing 12 fouls and the Pronghorns 11. Bisons’ Isabella Lone was the only player to receive a yellow card, which came in the 75th minute [75:19].
In the end, the Bisons emerged victorious, but both teams gave it their all, showcasing their skills and determination on the field. While the Bisons’ clinical finishing and strategic play ultimately paid off, the Pronghorns’ efforts were commendable.
The match was clearly a reflection of the competitive spirit of both teams, providing valuable lessons from the encounter.
