CALGARY — The Winnipeg Wesmen were victimized by two late goals in a 3-1 defeat Saturday afternoon.

The Mount Royal Cougars scored just moments before halftime to break a tie and another in the 80th minute for insurance to hand the Wesmen women's soccer team a loss in the penultimate match of the Canada West conference season. 

Sydney Butler, who missed nearly all of last season with an injury, scored her first career goal in the 35th minute to pull the Wesmen level at 1-1. A long ball found Butler behind the Mount Royal back line and the second-year forward took a few steps and put a shot past keeper Lizzy Knight to the bottom left corner of the goal. 

But Jordan Grundl scored in time added on to make it 2-1 and send the Wesmen into halftime on a low note. 

The Wesmen put up a season-high 15 shots, including 11 in the second half, and were inches away from pulling even for the second time when Butler pounced on a loose ball misplayed by Knight on the edge of the six-yard box. But Butler's shot was denied by an MRU defender and a second shot from close in was also blocked before the Cougars were able to clear from harm. 

Catriona McFadden scored 10 minutes before full time to make it 3-1, giving her two goals on the day after she opened the scoring in the fifth minute. 

Madison Priebe made a career-high 12 saves for the Wesmen (1-11-1), who will close the season Sunday (1 p.m.) at Lethbridge.

Knight made nine saves for the Cougars, who moved three points clear of Manitoba for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Prairie Division. The Bisons and MRU will meet Sunday.