Sports

With thunderclouds rumbling outside, the U of M Bisons women’s soccer team headed inside to the Winnipeg Soccer Federation South Complex for a pair of games against a pair of basement-dwelling Pacific Coast opponents this weekend.

This quiet sky turned out to be a sign for the day’s Canada West football action, as the visiting University of British Columbia Thunderbirds were silenced by a 37-19 U of M Bisons win.

Often when U Sports programs try to recruit players they offer them scholarships, playing time or even rely on the name recognition and pedigree of a particular team to draw in talent. For U of M Bisons women’s soccer rookie Stefanie Young, what got the ball rolling was a friend.

After a split series to open the season, the U of M Bisons women’s soccer team headed to British Columbia looking to pick up some valuable points in the standings. Instead, after a pair of losses, the herd came home empty handed.

Manitoba finished 12th for saves in Canada West with 53, showing that strong defensive play also had a big impact. But although the old adage says “defence wins championships,” the objective of the game is still to outscore your opponent. Thankfully for the herd, it has just the pieces required to take the club to the next level.