Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
CALGARY – After long ago clinching a playoff spot, the next step on the ladder for the MacEwan Griffins women's soccer team was wrapping up a home post-season date.
That happened on Saturday at Dinosaur Field as the Griffins played to a 1-1 draw with Calgary that moves them to 9-2-2 in the Canada West standings, four points ahead of the Dinos (7-2-4), who can't catch them with one game left in the regular season.
On Sunday in Lethbridge (12 p.m., Canada West TV), MacEwan would clinch first place in the Prairie Division with a win but can also finish first if Saskatchewan (9-3-1) loses to Manitoba (4-8-1).
"We've got everything to play for still," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro. "It's nice to secure home field and play in front of our amazing fans, so we've done that today. That's a huge plus.
"Tomorrow we're in the driver's seat, so we've got to control our own fate and take care of business. We know we'll be top of the table if we can play a 90-minute performance like we can."
On Saturday, the Griffins wasted little time in going up 1-0 on the Dinos when Brenna Paquin scored off a pass from Maya Morrell just 2:46 into the game.
"We were very happy with our start to the game," said Cordeiro. "We scored three minutes in. It was a great little goal. Brenna got the back post, Maya created it going at defenders and Alyx (Henderson) threw it to Maya, so it was all the front three getting involved in that one, which was nice to see."
Calgary's Jaden Tomaszewski equalized in the 52nd and the teams traded chances from there.
"It was a battle out there, to say the least," said Cordeiro. "Everybody's fighting for seeding. We knew it would be a hard, tough game on their home pitch.
"It was a battle both ways – a very physical match with a lot of emotion. I wouldn't expect any different when we play the U of C. They're a very good team and very well coached."
Calgary slightly outshot MacEwan 11-9 with the shots 5-5 on goal. Sabrina Alexander remained undefeated (8-0-2) in her stellar rookie season with four saves.
Captain Hannah Supina was named MVP for the Griffins with a rock-solid defensive showing.
"What a performance in the back today," said Cordeiro. "She absolutely locked down the forwards on her side and came up with a couple timely blocked shots.
"We had a couple other close calls where we thought they might get on the end of something, but she just came up and stuck some timely tackles to ensure the Calgary opportunities were thwarted. Very, very happy that our captain stepped up like she always does."
So, it's on to Lethbridge for the conclusion of the season on Sunday. The Griffins beat the Pronghorns handily 4-0 back on Sept. 9 in Edmonton, outrageously outshooting them 42-2 (21-2 on goal).
But Lethbridge is coming off a 2-1 upset over Alberta on Saturday, so the Griffins can't take anything for granted.
"We're just going to reset, refocus now on a Lethbridge that is coming off a win today, so they'll be fired up to play on their Seniors Day in front of their friends and family," said Cordeiro. "We've got to be ready to be at our best tomorrow."
