Box Score
CALGARY, AB – The MRU Cougars women's soccer team secured a 3-1 win over the University of Manitoba Bisons on the back of three second-half penalty kicks. The victory is the Cougars' first win at home this year and is crucial for their playoff push in a tough Pacific Division.

The Bisons took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute. Manitoba midfielder Jessica Tsai sent a high corner kick toward the Mount Royal net. The kick was tight to the Cougars' net, allowing Taryn Cabak to rise above the MRU defence and head it past the keeper, Torrance Langdon.

The Cougars pressed back hard and began to see more chances in the offensive end. Kareena Kassam, a third-year midfielder, made an outstanding move to cut onto her right foot and sent a booming kick toward the net. However, Bisons' keeper, Karina Bagi, made a quick reflex to get a hand on the ball.

The away side took their lead into the half with the Cougars applying pressure but unable to solve the Manitoba defence.

In the 72nd minute, the Cougars found their equalizer. The officials rewarded the home team with a penalty kick. First-year striker Tamara Djurisic converted from the spot in effortless fashion to make it 1-1.

But Djurisic wasn't done. The visibly flustered Bisons tripped up the forward in the box to put the goal-scorer back at the penalty spot less than a minute after tying the game. Djurisic pounded the ball to the back of the net, and suddenly the Cougars were in front with 17 minutes to play.

In the 88th minute, the Cougars went 3-for-3 from the penalty spot. Kareena Kassam was taken down by the Manitoba defender and stepped up herself to solidify the victory.

Mount Royal held on for the 3-1 win at Stadium Field.

MRU will continue the homestretch next weekend when they play host to a couple of schools from British Columbia. On Friday, September 29, the U SPORTS #1 ranked UBC Thunderbirds will take on the Cougars at 6 p.m., followed by a Sunday matinee at 1 p.m. versus the UNBC Timberwolves. Fans can catch both games at Stadium Field or stream live on Canada West TV.

Player of the game: Tamara Djurisic