WINNIPEG – The University of Calgary Dinos women's soccer team opened its season with a comeback win on Friday, scoring twice in the second half to beat the Manitoba Bisons 2-1 at East Turf Field.
The result improves Calgary to 1-0-0 in Canada West play, while Manitoba drops to 0-1-0.
Manitoba took the lead deep into stoppage time of the first 45 minutes with the final kick of the half. Sarina Mann won the ball just past the halfway line and slipped a through ball to Mackenzie Munro-Flora, who took a touch and coolly finished into the net for her first goal of the season.
The Dinos wasted little time responding, as less than 90 seconds into the second half, Jaden Tomaszewski's shot rang off the post and Sofia DiGiacomo pounced on the rebound to level the score from close range. Calgary continued to press, with Julia Kittelson and Brooke Batty both forcing saves from Manitoba goalkeeper Kailey Johnston-Krulicki before the Dinos found the net and launch into the lead.
Shortly after the hour mark, substitute Kaleigh Major delivered the winner in spectacular fashion, striking a free-kick from distance that dipped beneath the crossbar and beyond Johnston-Krulicki's reach to open her account for the season.
Calgary recorded 12 shots to Manitoba's 7, including a 5-3 edge in shots on goal, while goalkeeper Cheridan Johnson made two vital saves to preserve the win as the Bisons pushed for an equalizer that never came.
The Dinos will return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, in a rematch against the Bisons at East Turf Field in Winnipeg. The game can be seen live on Canada West TV powered by BioSteel.
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