A more front-footed attack in the second half wasn't enough for the Winnipeg Wesmen Thursday night. 

The Wesmen women's soccer team surrendered two first-half goals and dropped a 3-0 Canada West conference decision to the Manitoba Bisons at the U of M, the first match in the home-and-home derby that wraps up Saturday. 

The Wesmen were up in attack more consistently for early stretches of the second half as they pushed to get a goal back.

Jessica Tsai, in the 31st minute, and Bianca Cavalcanti in the 40th, put the Bisons ahead before half. Cavalcanti would add another in the 76th as the Wesmen pushed their midfield and back line up.

"I think we started off strong and had a lot of the possession in the first half and I think we were unlucky to concede two goals towards the end of that half," Wesmen head coach Amy Anderson said. "I think we can take a lot of positives from the game that will give us confidence for Saturday. I would like us to be a bit more direct when we are attacking because that's been working for us."

Madison Priebe made seven saves in the Wesmen goal. Karina Bagi made two for Manitoba.

Winnipeg fell to 1-9-1 and Manitoba improved to 4-6-1 with its first win since Sept. 11.

The Wesmen will host the back end of the home-and-home on Saturday at noon at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex.