Box Score
CALGARY, AB – The MRU Cougars women's soccer team secured a commanding 2-0 win on Saturday afternoon against the University of Victoria Vikes in their final regular season home game of 2023. The Cougars avenged their early season loss to the Vikes with a dominant performance at Stadium Field. The win also coincided with MRU honouring their senior athletes, Sydney Danielewicz, Athena Fourlas, and Kareena Kassam.

MRU's star rookie, Tamara Djurisic, quickly put the Cougars on the scoreboard. Djurisic struck the ball from well beyond the box in the third minute of the match. The powerful kick sailed over the outstretched hand of Vikes' goalkeeper Kayley Lidstone and nestled into the top right corner. It was an absolutely incredible goal from the first-year striker, giving Mount Royal a 1-0 lead.

Throughout the first half, the Cougars and Vikes traded chances, but neither team managed to create any dangerous scoring opportunities, and MRU entered halftime with a one-goal advantage.

In the opening minute of the second half, UVIC came close to equalizing the score. The Vikes delivered an impressive long-distance cross from the halfway line, catching the Cougars off guard defensively. However, Victoria midfielder Taiya Scorey couldn't find the target and sent the ball high over the crossbar.

Later in the second half, Jamie Rovere took a shot from distance, but it was easily saved by Lidstone, who had recently been named U SPORTS Athlete of the Week.

Just minutes later, the Cougars extended their lead, finding the back of the Vikes' net once again. Isabella Chirico delivered a corner kick that bounced onto the head of Sophie Kinghorn, who cleverly redirected it backward to a wide-open Sydney Danielewicz. Danielewicz swiftly placed it into the lower corner, giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead.

In the 74th minute, Kyla Franks had a golden opportunity to further increase their lead, but Vikes defender Abby Mackenzie made an excellent read to intercept the ball.

The Vikes had one last chance to score when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, but Emma Skalik sent it high over the net.

The Cougars held on for their fourth win of the season. Next weekend, they'll embark on a road trip for games against Trinity Western and UFV on October 13 and October 15, respectively. You can catch both games live on Canada West TV.