Graeme Kelly The University of Alberta Pandas Soccer team had a strong weekend at home on September 13 and 14, taking two wins over the Saskatchewan Huskies and Regina Cougars. You could see them grow more confident with each score.
Saturday’s game against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies was tight. Both teams traded chances, but nothing broke through until late. In the 74th minute, Tara Simonot slotted a pass from Emily Duxbury into the net. Goalkeeper Autumn Wynn kept the Huskies scoreless for the remainder of the game. It was a simple goal, but one that set the tone for the weekend.
Sunday’s game against Regina had a bit more drama. Brooklyn St. Amand struck first just before halftime, curling a shot into the corner. The Cougars tied it early in the second half with a header from Hannah Wol-Harden. Alberta responded in the 73rd minute. Simonot carried the ball up the middle and found Makenna Van der Veen, who finished calmly past the goalkeeper. Later, the Pandas played the last ten minutes down one player after a red card, but they held their ground.
These wins show Alberta is finding its rhythm. The players are communicating better and moving the ball faster. They are starting to look like a team that can handle pressure, even when the unexpected happens.
Next weekend brings two home games against the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. Both teams have been strong this season, so Alberta will need to stay focused. The Pandas will want to keep building on the momentum from this sweep. Every ball they control, every pass they make counts.
If you choose to view a game at Foote Field or online this weekend, you will see a team growing together and learning to close games. This weekend was an entertaining one for the Pandas Soccer team: a team that could see themselves climb the Prairie Division standings in the coming weeks.
