Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Uncharacteristic would certainly be the way to put it.
The Griffins' 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Mount Royal Cougars on Sunday in Calgary was an anomalistic result for many reasons.
It marks the first time MRU has ever beaten MacEwan in a women's soccer match on the field in Canada West play.
It's also the first time since Sept. 30, 2017 that the Griffins have lost two regular season games in a row on the field – ending a remarkable streak of 2,899 days.
Filed under the column of 'it had to happen eventually,' nothing went right for MacEwan on Sunday as they fell for the first time to the hard-working Cougars (3-0-1), desperate to remain undefeated on the season.
"Credit Mount Royal," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro. "They're a tough team to play against. Tino (Fusco)'s done a great job. They're well organized. They pose questions.
"Both goals conceded today were mistakes that we've got to do a better job on, which the team knows. So, they're fixable. Just a little bit off the mark today."
Including the 1-0 loss to Calgary on Saturday, the Griffins are returning home with no points from a road trip for the first time since they lost to UBC and Victoria on Sept. 29-30, 2017.
"Last year, we were undefeated on the road and it's a little bit different this year around," said Cordeiro, whose squad has fallen back to 2-2-0 in the standings. "Just back to the drawing board and we'll get the group ready to go versus Regina."
MRU scored first in Sunday's contest as Dany Juarez made no mistake after Gabrielle Linford played her in alone in the 35th minute. It's the first goal in the run of play the Griffins have allowed this season.
"We were caught in our build on the weak side and were a little bit out of position," said Cordeiro. "They intercepted the ball and executed. They found the open player and Sabi (Alexander) had no chance on it, unfortunately."
Midfielder Emma Clark nearly equalized right before half-time with a header that just went over the bar.
"Emma Clark was our player of the game today – earned her first start," said Cordeiro. "Since coming back from the knee injury, she was just excellent today in our midfield, so that was a positive, for sure."
Isabella Chirico put the Cougars up 2-0 in the 60th minute off a set piece, marking the fourth-straight game to open the season that MacEwan has conceded a set-piece goal.
Alexander finished with eight saves for the Griffins, while Ella Filek stopped two for MRU.
"We did everything but score today," said Cordeiro. "We had a wide open net we missed late in the contest, and we had a couple other balls when we were in all alone. Just a weird weekend where we were just a little bit off the mark, and it was a little bit uncharacteristic for us. But sometimes you've got to face a bit of adversity.
"I know this group will respond and we're looking forward to having a good week of training ahead in preparation for the games this coming weekend. It will be nice to be back at home, for sure."
MacEwan returns home to host Regina on Sept. 13 and Saskatchewan Sept. 14.