Box Score WINNIPEG, MB - In come-from-behind mode most of the night, the Manitoba Bisons women's soccer team failed to overcome a stout Alberta Pandas defence on Saturday, October 4th at the University of Manitoba Turf Fields, as they lost 2-0.

With the loss, Manitoba falls to 3-4-1, while Alberta moves to 4-1-3. The Alberta win means they move into a statistical tie with Regina for the last playoff spot in the Canada West Prairies Division. Manitoba is now four points back of that mark with a pair of games at home next weekend against first-place Calgary.

After Jessie Candlish scored early and Maggie Zacsko added her second of the weekend at 35 minutes, a small but vocal group of Bisons fans had their rally caps (or toques, considering the weather) on the rest of the way. Manitoba's offence sparked for moments in the second half, but a first half where they failed to notch a shot sank them.

"We need to acknowledge that Alberta has a great defence, it's one of the best defences in our league," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas. "So yes, it's one part on their side. In the first half, though, we were not fighting hard enough. In the second half, there was a change in attitude, wanting to be first to the ball, getting some shots."

"Definitely though, I was not happy with the first half."

That first half was owned by the Pandas, as the Bisons spent most of it backed up in front of their own net. Candlish capitalized first at the five-minute mark, getting a rebound well outside the box and launching a long, high shot that beautifully found the far corner of the Bisons net.

Following that up was Zacsko, who was unstoppable in the midfield all weekend, as she controlled a scramble in front and put a hard shot in to give Alberta insurance at 35 minutes.

Manitoba, feeding off the energy of their teammates and the crowd, subbed six players in for the second half and instantly saw their offensive game change. Their golden chance came on the foot of Selina Speranza, who, running full speed, launched a long, high shot from the corner of the box that hit the crossbar.  That came at the 60-minute mark, and Alberta locked down after that to ensure the win.

Just two weeks remain in the Bisons women's soccer regular season. They conclude the home portion of their schedule next weekend for a battle with the Prairie Division-leading Calgary Dinos. The two games will be played Friday and Saturday nights (October 10 and 11). Both kickoffs are 6 p.m. CST.

Written by: John Gaudes