EDMONTON – In a terrific early season battle between two of the top women's soccer teams in Canada West, the visiting Calgary Dinos hung on for a 3-2 victory over the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday afternoon.
Statistically, the Dinos were full marks for the win – outshooting the Griffins 30-14 (17-7 on goal) and holding a larger share of the possession – but the result was still in doubt throughout five minutes of stoppage time.
Ultimately, the Dinos were able to salt this one away to remain perfect on the young season at 3-0-0, while the Griffins drop to 1-1-1.
The teams traded penalty kick goals in the first half as Calgary's
Aislin Phillips opened the scoring in the 34th minute before MacEwan's Anneke Odinga cracked her PK attempt bar down past Calgary goalkeeper
Anna Demarbre to equalize in the 43rd.
Jayden Berg put the visitors ahead again in the 66th minute on a bit of a broken play. Alexander charged out to stop Djuranic's initial point-blank shot, only to have the rebound go right to Berg, who saw her shot deflected off a defender and in.
Inspired by the go-ahead goal, the Dinos kept pouring it on, leading to
Isabella DiPalma's game-winner in the 82nd minute on a beautiful give-and-go with
Isabella Burtini. That gives Burtini four assists in her first three U SPORTS games.
Suddenly, the Griffins found new life in a desperate bid to get back into the game as Grace Mwasalla – who was robbed by Demarbre in the 85th – flicked a pass out wide to Mariah Arnott, who went in alone from the left. Instead of shooting, though, she hit Sophie Lavallee back post for a tap in.
Despite five minutes of added time, the Dinos were able to take the drama out of this one for their third win in a row to start the year.
Demarbre finished with a season-high five saves in net for the Dinos, while Sabrina Alexander was a huge reason this game stayed somewhat close down the stretch. The reigning conference all-rookie team member set a new Griffins program record for most saves in a Canada West game with an astounding 14 on the day.
Calgary stays in Edmonton for a Sunday noon showdown with Alberta, while the Griffins remain at home to take on Lethbridge – also at noon. The Pandas beat the Pronghorns, 4-1, at home on Saturday.
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