Box Score WSOC - The Mount Royal Cougars women's soccer team returned to home turf Saturday afternoon, welcoming the MacEwan Griffins to the newly renovated Stadium Field.

The Griffins entered the matchup with a 1-1 record, looking to pick up another win and improve their record on the season. The Cougars entered the contest with a perfect 2-0 record, looking to continue their strong start and remain undefeated at 3-0.
The Cougars controlled the game early, creating a variety of scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. Despite the early pressure from MRU, the Griffins would strike first, as first-year forward Ivy Kunn capitalized on a well-placed header in the 13th minute to give MacEwan an early 1-0 lead.

The Cougars did not let the early goal deter them, as their relentless offensive pressure continued throughout the first half. MRU would eventually find the equalizer, thanks to first-year midfielder Brooke Miller, who scored her first goal as a Cougar in front of her hometown crowd to level the match at 1-1.

Both teams continued to generate scoring opportunities in search of the go-ahead goal, but neither side could find the back of the net before halftime. The two squads remained knotted at 1-1 heading into the break, with both goalkeepers making key saves to keep the score level.

The search for the lead continued into the early stages of the second half, until a terrific breakout pass and finish from Cougars midfielders Analisa Galvez and Gabrielle Linford gave MRU a 2-1 lead.
Both goalkeepers continued to make key saves throughout the second half, keeping the match within reach for both sides. The Griffins continued to search for an equalizer, but the Cougars maintained their pressure through the late stages of the match, looking to secure their third consecutive victory to open the season.

MacEwan goalkeeper Sabrina Alexander finished with a career-high 15 saves, but the Griffins were unable to find the equalizer as the Cougars held onto their one-goal advantage to secure a 2-1 victory. With the win, MRU improves to 3-0 on the season and extends its winning streak to three games.

The Cougars will look to continue their winning streak Sunday at 1:00 p.m., when they host the Alberta Golden Bears at Stadium Field.

Player of the Game: #15 Gabrielle Linford, who netted the game-winning goal for the Cougars and was a consistent offensive presence throughout the afternoon.