Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The standings show that the Griffins women's soccer team earned six points on their opening weekend with victories over Regina and Saskatchewan.
But it's the way they won – with clutch game-winning goals from Grace Mwasalla in extra time both days – that could serve as the ultimate character builder as they move on to bigger things this season.
"I think when you can face some adversity early on in a season, I think that helps kickstart things and gets a team on the right path," said head coach Dean Cordeiro of the 3-2 and 2-1 triumphs last Friday and Saturday.
"I think they are big character builders. To know no matter what minute of the game it is you always have a chance and you're one strike away from getting the result you're looking for is huge. I think there are way more to take away from matches like that than when you have a (multi)-goal lead."
That said, it would be much easier on the nerves of the coaching staff if the Griffins put the contest away earlier.
That's certainly a goal for the team as they head east to meet Winnipeg (0-2-0) on Saturday (2 p.m. MT) and Manitoba (1-1-0) on Sunday (12 p.m. MT, both games Canada West TV).
It's MacEwan's first road trip of the season, which is always an important one to galvanize a roster with several new players.
"I think it will be big for us," said Cordeiro. "It is our first trip away, so it will be nice to have the team bond in that capacity. I think that's important. We're looking forward to it."
Offensively, the Griffins are in mid-season form with five goals for in two games – currently third-best in the conference.
Defensively, though, MacEwan has allowed an uncharacteristic three against in two games. They're accustomed to stringing together several clean sheets in a row, so defensive structure has been a great focus in practice this week.
"I think we're just going to try to dial that back a little bit and reel some things in," said Cordeiro. "We spent a good week on defensive organization and some key principles. I think the team is ready. We'll look to be a little stronger in front of our GK.
"That said, it's always tougher on the road. You go into a hostile environment. I know Winnipeg and Manitoba will be ready. Our focus right now will be on that Winnipeg game on Saturday."
