September 9 - At Winnipeg, MB, the Manitoba Bisons women’s soccer completed their first weekend of action in the 2007 Canada West regular season with a 4-1 loss to the reigning CIS champion UBC Thunderbirds at University Stadium (University of Manitoba). The Bisons are now 1-1-0 while UBC solidifies their #1 ranking heading into the new season, as they are 2-0-0.

The game was decided in the first half as the visitors had control of the play for the most part and displayed some stingy defense as they held a 11-5 shot advantage and potted three goals. The UBC scoring was done in a span of 15 minutes as 2006 Canada West All-Star Caitlin Davie opened the scoring at the 26 minute mark as she drove the ball high over Bisons’ goalie Ashley Forbes. Four minutes later, Carmen Lindsay had a long shot outside the 18’ box to make it 2-0. At the 40 minute mark, Natalie Hirayama received a nifty pass back by Stephanie Thibert at the top of the 6’ box and drilled a shot to the left side. Manitoba did start strongly with a chance by forward Caley Miskimmin missing a header over the bar after only five minutes. At the half, UBC 3-0.

In the second half, Lindsay made a fantastic deke move on a rush and came up with a low shot that just missed at the 20 minute mark. Davie had a couple of chances from outside, as she was dangerous throughout the match. Manitoba played well in the final 45 minutes and were rewarded with their lone goal when forward Karli Colpitts made a run down the left wing and crossed a ball into the box where the ball found forward Lianna Bestvater and she struck the ball low to the corner past UBC keeper Jill Kinsman at the 39th minute. The visitors responded again, just two minutes later, with a strong push capped by defender Michele Yakashiro heading in a ball from a goalmouth scramble as she battled with Bison defenders. Final score, UBC 4-1.

Kinsman filled in admirably for the injured Canada West All-Star Jaclyn Dunnett and made five saves while Forbes had seven saves for Manitoba. UBC led 21-15 in shots while Manitoba had four to two in corner kicks.

Manitoba will now travel on the road to face Fraser Valley on Friday, September 14 and Trinity Western on Saturday, September 15. UBC goes home to host Victoria on September 15.

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