CALGARY – The offensive intensity stepped up for the Calgary Dinos on Saturday, but they still could not leave the West Varsity Pitch with a win against the University of Alberta Pandas, finishing in a 1-1 draw with their provincial rivals.
With an early goal in the 10th minute from forward Morena Ianniello (Calgary, 3rd), a beauty finding the far right side of the net, the Dinos looked poised for a break-out offensive game. However the only goal scored from then on was courtesy of the Pandas, as Christina Le (Edmonton, 3rd) notched one in the 43rd minute.
Calgary was able to push the ball with much success early in the first half as many opportunities were created and had the Pandas on their heels; however, the Pandas soon restored order and kept the game under control, as defensive leaders Veronique Mayer (Edmonton, 4th) and Keshia Wallin (St. Albert, 3rd) were solid in particular on the back end, thwarting numerous Dinos chances.
Calgary Head Coach Robin Slot was overall quite happy with the effort of his team.
“The girls played a good game. The intensity was great in the first half, but we let up in the second; something we need to learn not to do,” explained Slot. “Our offense is showing sign of improvement, but we still need some work.”
“Defensively I thought we played very well, with typical Dino intensity. It's just a matter of putting both parts of the game together, something that I expect will happen soon”
Ianniello is coming into her own as a main offensive weapon for the Dinos, where she was a constant nuisance to the Pandas defence this afternoon. With five total shots, and her one shot on goal finding the back of the net, Ianniello was all over the field before leaving with a twisted ankle late in the game.
Providing spirited efforts for the Dinos were midfielder Saaraa Premji (Calgary, 2nd) and forward Joanna Ng (Calgary, 3rd) who were both solid in controlling the ball for the Dinos as well as constantly disrupting the Panda flow. This did not go unnoticed, as for her efforts, Premji took home game MVP honours.
Courtney Heffernan of the Dinos (Calgary, 3rd) and Alecia Baldwin of the Pandas (Edmonton, 2nd) were both solid in net for their teams, with Heffernan in particular making two impressive saves in traffic off of Alberta corner kicks. Both goalies were able to keep the game close, making the saves that they had to throughout the game.
On Sunday, the Dinos will host the Saskatchewan Huskies at the West Varsity Soccer Pitch, who will be travelling north after a 5-1 beat down, courtesy of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Passing the Huskies on highway 3 tonight will be the Alberta Pandas, who will be rounding out their weekend in Lethbridge to face the Pronghorns.
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