Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Salma Kamel scored twice in her return to full health after an injury as the MacEwan Griffins dealt the Winnipeg Wesmen a 4-0 defeat on a blustery Saturday afternoon of Canada West women's soccer action at Clarke Stadium.
Seven different Griffins hit the scoresheet in a dominant performance that pushes MacEwan's Prairie Division-leading record to 5-1-2. Winnipeg falls to 1-8-0.
"It feels really good," said Kamel, who was starting for just the second time this season and first time at home. "We had a really good week of training and I think that's always built into how our weekend goes.
"Today, I think we executed exactly what we wanted to do to a T. The team played so well. Everyone is just doing their part and it's really nice to see."
MacEwan's balanced scoring attack and depth were on full display as they held the ball all over the pitch and generally did what they wanted in outshooting the Wesmen 30-1 and 14-0 in shots on goal.
It was a big bounce-back win for the Griffins after a 1-1 draw at Lethbridge in a snowstorm their last time out. Head coach Dean Cordeiro switched tactics from that one, using his full bench and even changing goalkeepers in the 80th minute when starter Emily Burns gave way for Bianca Castillo.
"Last game it was so cold and we only went two or three deep into the bench," Cordeiro explained. "We said we're not going to do that today. I had full confidence in everybody. We made four changes at the half and then had everybody on by the 70th minute.
"It's thinking about the day and tomorrow as well. To not have to ride people 90s is important. We also have players who need to show us where they're at."
Kamel was certainly one of those and she showed fine form, opening the scoring in the 13th minute when she took a Sunder West pass, cut into the middle and beat keeper Taryn Raabe inside the left post. Her second goal, MacEwan's third of the game, came in the 69th minute when she tapped home a rebound after Shanice Alfred's initial shot went off Raabe and the crossbar.
"It's obviously very frustrating when you're trying to come back from an injury and you're not yourself," said Kamel. "It feels good that now I can play how I know I can play and just do the best I can."
Rookie Sofia DiGiacomo also scored for the Griffins – her second goal in as many games – converting a back-post header off a Suekiana Choucair corner kick in the 19th minute.
Sofia DiGiacomo heads in a corner kick for MacEwan's second goal (Chris Piggott photo).
Meagan Lemoine also tallied, scoring the 4-0 goal in the 71st minute when she took a pass from Sarah Riddle and went in alone, chipping it into the cage.
"The balanced scoring was great," said Cordeiro. "Meagan's been so dynamic for us and got one, while crushing another off the crossbar (in the 35th minute). She must lead the league in crossbars. She's got one every game she's played.
"Salma, back to full health, scoring two goals was huge and then Sofia, our first year, stepped it up and scored another big goal for us. It was very much balanced and a lot of different people getting assists for us. It was a good game."
Meagan Lemoine carries the ball through the Winnipeg defence on one of several dangerous runs on the afternoon. She scored MacEwan's fourth goal (Chris Piggott photo).
Despite the tough loss, Wesmen head coach Amy Anderson focused on the positives.
"I think we went into this knowing we'd have to be defensively disciplined and I thought we were," she said. "I thought we played a lot better from last week and I thought we were better at things we were working on. If we keep our defensive shape, we're hoping to get results as we go."
The Wesmen visit Alberta on Sunday (12 p.m., Foote Field), while the Griffins will host Manitoba at the same time at Clarke Stadium.
