Box Score Part 2 of the battle between cross town rivals goes to.......The Wesmen. The University of Winnipeg Wesmen defeated the University of Manitoba 2-1 Saturday afternoon at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in Winnipeg.
With the win, the Wesmen win the season series against Manitoba. The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw Thursday night at the Investors Group Field.
Winnipeg improves to 2-5-3, and presently two points back of Manitoba (3-5-2) for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division. Both teams have four games left to play in their respective schedules.
Jamila Calvez (15th min) and Inga Christianson (57th min) scored for Winnipeg. Amanda Wong (84th min) replied for Manitoba.
Winnipeg put pressure on the Bisons early on were almost rewarded for their play. A header by third year defender Brooke Richtik was right on target but Bisons goalkeeper Maddie Wilford came up with the save.
The Wesmen opened scoring in the 15th minute. Jamila Calvez picked up a rebound off a Claire Preston shot and netted her third goal of the season to give the Wesmen a 1-0 lead.
Manitoba put on some offensive pressure nearing the halftime break but Winnipeg was able to hold their ground and head into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
At the halftime break Manitoba made a goalie change as Martie Arran came in for Wilford. Winnipeg did not challenge the new goalkeeper as Manitoba controlled field position for the opening moments of the second half.
Winnipeg scored again in the 57th minute when third year defender/midfielder Inga Christianson picked up a loose ball in the goal area and beat Arran to give the Wesmen a 2-0 lead.
The Bisons looked to have scored a goal in the 75th minute but the goal was disallowed as Wesmen goalkeeper Taylor Thorkelsson was interfered with, to keep the score 2-0 Wesmen.
In the 84th minute Manitoba got on the board when Amanda Wong took a feed from Selina Speranza and beat Thorkelsson with a low shot to close the gap to 2-1 and what sttod as the final score.
Manitoba had the advantage in total shots by a slim 13-12 margin. Taylor Thorkelsson made eight saves for Winnipeg. Arran and Wilford combined to make six saves for Manitoba.
Winnipeg will be on the road next weekend for games against Saskatchewan and Regina. Manitoba will also travel to Saskatchewan to take on the Cougars and Huskies.