SASKATOON, Sask. — The YU SPORTS No. 9-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies continued their unbeaten start to the Canada West season Saturday afternoon (Sept. 12), defeating the Manitoba Bisons 3-0 at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The win improves Saskatchewan's record to 3-0-0 while the Bisons remain in search of their first win of the season at 0-3-0.
The Huskies took command early and never looked back, opening the scoring just six minutes into the match. A Saskatchewan centering feed appeared too long, but Manitoba goalkeeper Kailey Johnston-Krulicki was unable to clear the ball effectively after coming off her line. The loose ball fell kindly for
Danielle Lehmann, who launched a high arching shot over defenders and into the back of the net for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 Huskies lead.
The home team doubled its advantage just minutes later following a determined individual effort from
Cheyenne Lehmann. Fighting off a defender to regain possession, Lehmann drove into the penalty area and was brought down moments later, earning a penalty kick. She calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0 and put the Huskies firmly in control.
The pressure continued throughout the opening half. Just moments after the penalty,
Isabelle Lachance nearly added another, getting her head on a corner kick only to be denied by a strong save from Johnston-Krulicki.
Lachance would not be denied for long though. In the 23rd minute, the striker took matters into her own hands down the left wing. Driving at the Manitoba back line, she cut back, created space for herself and unleashed a shot that curled into the top-right corner to stretch the lead to 3-0.
The Huskies dominated the opening 45 minutes, outshooting Manitoba 8-1 and forcing the Bisons to defend wave after wave of attacks. Saskatchewan also earned eight first-half corner kicks while limiting Manitoba's offensive opportunities.
Despite not adding to their lead after halftime, the Huskies continued to dictate play. Saskatchewan generated nine second-half shots and consistently threatened to increase the margin, with chances from Lachance,
Danielle Lehmann, Nguyen, and
Eva Ricken all forcing saves from Johnston-Krulicki.
At the other end, goalkeeper
Alyssa Paydli and the Huskies defence enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, facing just one shot on target as Saskatchewan completed the clean sheet. The Huskies finished with a commanding 17-1 advantage in shots and an 11-0 edge in corner kicks, underscoring their complete performance from start to finish.
The Huskies and Bisons will finish off their season series Sunday afternoon (Sept. 13) back at Griffiths with kick off set for noon.
