SASKATOON, Sask. – On a sunny Sunday afternoon (Sept. 8) at Griffiths Stadium the University of Saskatchewan Huskies earned their first win of the 2024 campaign, defeating the visiting Alberta Golden Bears 2-0. After a thrilling draw against the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday, the Dogs improve to 1-0-1 while the Pandas move to 0-2-0 through the opening weekend of the season.
The visiting Pandas registered the first two shots on the match, looking to bounce back after a season-opening loss to the Regina Cougars. With the Huskie defence holding early, the Dogs began to press their own attack.
Awarded with two corner kick opportunities, Saskatchewan was unable to get a shot on target until
Jade Houmphanh found
Tia Lecox out on the wing. Lecox, a transfer from the University of Winnipeg, created some space before firing a shot just out of the reach of Alberta goalkeeper Autumn Wynn.
Lecox's first goal in green & white was also the second score and fifth point of her Canada West. For Houmphanh, who scored in Saturday's draw against MacEwan, picked up her second point of the season.
Less than 10 minutes later Saskatchewan keeper
Kalin Roberts would send a booming free kick to forward
Madison Mayert who perfectly deflected the ball to
Alyssa D'Agnone on the rush. D'Agnone, a standout striker, made no mistake on the breakaway, pulling the Alberta goalie out of the net before maneuvering around for a shot at a wide-open net.
The goal, which doubled the Huskie lead, was D'Agnone's first of the season and 16th of her career which moves the fourth-year student-athlete into sole possession of 9th on the Huskie all-time goals list.
With a convincing lead over the Pandas, the Huskies transitioned to a conservative style of play looking to limit any potential Alberta scoring opportunities. As the Pandas continue their push late in the second half,
Kalin Roberts was forced to make several key saves to maintain her clean sheet and secure the victory.
By the end of the match the second-year education major made six saves, earning the fifth clean sheet of her career.
UP NEXT
Next weekend the Huskies will return to their home pitch at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park for a pair of matches against eastern opponents. Saturday (Sept. 14) afternoon the Huskies will host the Winnipeg Wesmen before meeting the Manitoba Bisons for a Sunday matinee match. Both games are set to kick off at 2pm with tickets available at HuskieTickets.com.
