The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's soccer team was defeated by the Regina Cougars by a score of 2-1 at Griffiths Stadium on the final day of regular-season action in the Canada West.
With the Huskies already having clinched first-place in the central division, the Cougars were the ones with all the pressure entering Sunday afternoon.
But the Cougars struck twice in the final 45, first off the foot of Allyson Schneider to make it 1-1 just minutes into the second half.
Then it was Taylor Bubnick, a Saskatoon native, scoring her first goal of the season for the Cougars in the 79th minute. The goal was a massive one for Regina, allowing them to retreat into a defensive style of play and hold onto the win.
"My heart is so happy for Taylor. If there's a player that deserves that moment in their career, that that was a moment for Taylor Bubnick," said Cougars co-interim head coach Astrid Baecker.
"She struggled with some injuries early in the season, and to see her come into our midfield in the last couple of games, and just to remind us that she is that dominant force and to be able to pick that moment and read and step up to get that ball and have that finish, that was so amazing to see. A really proud moment as a coach and I couldn't be happier for her."
While Bubnick downplayed the moment as an individual, she recognized the significance to provide on a big-time stage for the program.
"It's an amazing moment," said Bubnick. "It's amazing to do this as a team. We came out in the second half and we were all together. We were all on the same page. We had our goal and we came out and executed, and I think that's awesome."
As mentioned, the Huskies secured first-place in their win on Friday night in Regina, allowing them to breathe easy on Sunday.
"We're obviously disappointed with the result at the end. But it was a great opportunity for us to learn. In these games you have to minimize mistakes and not put yourself in those positions," said Huskies head coach Jerson Barandica Hamilton.
On the Huskies side, it was Hailey Weber's first-career goal that gave the homeside an early one-goal advantage in the eighteenth minute.
"We wanted to give players opportunities and she brought us energy and quality today, which was what we wanted to see," said Barandica-Hamilton." "I'm so excited for her because she did everything right on that goal."
While the match didn't necessarily matter in terms of the standings, it did provide the Huskies the opportunity to honour five fifth-years.
Jadyn Steinhauer, Taneil Gay, Maya Gabruch, Kalli Cowles and Hannah Zdunich Costa suited up in their final regular-season match of their careers.
Steinhauer made seven saves on the afternoon. On the Regina side, Allyson Ford recorded eight saves en route to the win.
The win for the Cougars ensures a postseason appearance, one they will make out west against the UBC Thunderbirds.
While the Cougars head west, the Huskies will be back at home next weekend, as they play host to the Calgary Dinos in quarter-final action at Griffiths Stadium.
"We wanted to play at home, which is great. We'll be ready. We'll take the lessons from today and we'll keep sharpening up," said Barandica Hamilton.
