UBC Tops The Canada West Women’s Soccer Preseason Predictions
The following story originally published August 22, 2022 is courtesy of Canada West https://canadawest.org/news/2022/8/19/wsoc-ubc-tops-preseason-predictions.aspx.
CALGARY – Western Canada’s best university women’s soccer players are set to hit the pitch Friday, the start of a new road to the Canada West Championships. Ahead of the action, coaches from across the conference have weighed in on who they think will hoist the conference trophy. UBC won the majority vote this year, coming off a season where they fell just short to Trinity Western in the 2021 CW Final. The team boasts the top returning scorer and one of the best defences in the league.
The defending champs, Trinity Western Spartans, take the second spot in the poll after posting an undefeated conference record last season. The team has won gold in three of the past four seasons and will be seeking its 10th total Canada West title.
Rounding out the top three are the MacEwan Griffins, a gutsy team that won its first-ever U SPORTS Championship banner last season, after earning bronze in the conference playoffs.
For a complete team-by-team preview, click on the team names below.
It all gets underway Friday, when the Spartans will begin their title defence at home against Victoria at 7 p.m. PDT. At that same time, fans will get their first glimpses of UBC at Fraser Valley. MacEwan will host crosstown rival Alberta at 6 p.m. MDT, while Regina and Saskatchewan will host Manitoba and Winnipeg, respectively, both at 7 p.m. CST.
WOMEN’S SOCCER ON CANADA WEST TV
Every women’s soccer game will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV – the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.
2022 CW WSOC PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team – Points (First-place votes)
- UBC Thunderbirds – 218 (10)
- Trinity Western Spartans – 199 (2)
- MacEwan Griffins – 198 (3)
- Calgary Dinos – 177
- Saskatchewan Huskies – 153
- Victoria Vikes – 141
- Alberta Pandas – 131 (1)
- Fraser Valley Cascades – 125
- Manitoba Bisons – 113
- UBCO Heat – 110
- Thompson Rivers WolfPack – 84
- Regina Cougars – 83
- Mount Royal Cougars – 82
- UNBC Timberwolves – 46
- Lethbridge Pronghorns – 42
- Winnipeg Wesmen – 18
NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-15. First-place votes worth 15 points, second-place worth 14 points etc.
2022 TEAM PREVIEWS
- Pacific Division
- Central Division
UBC THUNDERBIRDS
2021 CW regular season record: 9-1-2, 2nd in West Division
2021 post-season record: 2-1, CW silver medal
Head Coach: Jesse Symons (7th season) / 42-11-15
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2016 / 15th
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2019 / 7th
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 24 goals, 5th
Defence: 4 goals against, T-1st
2021 CW regular season leaders(returning):
Goals: 15 – Danielle Steer, F
Assists: 6 – Sophia Ferreira, D
Points: 17 – Danielle Steer, F
Wins: 3 – Sarah Johns
Shutouts: 2 – Sarah Johns
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Hannah Bains / M / 1 / Surrey, B.C. / Surrey United
Taiya Dennehy / M / 1 / Toronto, Ont. / Woodbridge Strikers
Emily Parker / D / 1 / Dallas, Texas / Swiss U17 National Team
Jayda Thompson / F / 1 / Markham, Ont. / Woodbridge Strikers
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Emily Moore / G / Victoria, B.C. / 5
Anisha Sangha / M / Burnaby, B.C. / 5
Tess McRae / M / Vancouver, B.C. / 5
Michelle Jang / F / Calgary, Alta. / 4
Key performer (pictured above):
Danielle Steer
Forward
5th
Surrey, B.C.
2021 Stats: 15 Goals / 2 Assists / 17 Points
Coming off an amazing 2021 season that saw her score 15 goals in just 12 games, Danielle Steer was named a first team Canada West All-Star for the second time. Heading into her final U SPORTS season, the Surrey, B.C. product is 12th in all-time Canada West points, just 16 away from tying the record set by former teammate Jasmin Dhanda.
UBC OKANAGAN HEAT
2021 CW regular season record: 2-7-3 (5th Pacific)
2021 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Craig Smith – 7th season/12-46-10 regular season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 11 goals for (T12th)
Defence: 19 goals against (10th)
2021 CW regular season leaders:
Goals: 5 – Stefanie Young, Midfielder
Assists: 2 – Erica Lampert, Midfielder
Points: 6 – Stefanie Young, Midfielder
Wins: 2 – Molly Race, Goalkeeper
Shutouts: 3 – Molly Race, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Annika Gross/Midfielder/2/Kelowna, B.C./Simon Fraser University
Megan Sun/Forward/1/Langley, B.C./Coastal FC
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Erica Lampert/Midfielder/Prince George, B.C./5
Anastazia Ziros/Defender/Vancouver, B.C./5
Jill Hunt/Midfielder/Delta, B.C./5
Kacee Ougden/Midfielder/Surrey, B.C./5
Key performer (pictured above):
Name: Jessica Ambrosio
Position: Forward
Eligibility Year: 4
Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
2021 Stats: 12 GP, 12 GS, 0 G, 1 A, 1 P
Ambrosio, who has started in 38 games for the Heat in her career, will be returning to UBCO for her fourth year of eligibility. As one of two seniors on the Heat’s roster, Ambrosio embraces a true team mentality and understands how to succeed as an individual within the team structure. With four years of experience with the squad and the ability to perform under pressure, her presence up front will be crucial to the Heat’s success this season.
FRASER VALLEY CASCADES
2021 CW regular season record: 6-4-2, 3rd in West Division
2021 post-season record: 0-1-0, Eliminated in Canada West Quarterfinal
Head Coach: Niko Marcina, 3rd season / 6-4-2 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: Year / N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 12 goals, 11th
Defence: 14 goals against, 6th
2021 CW regular season leaders(returning):
Goals: 3 – Hannah Gamble, M
Assists: 2 – Jessica Fennell, M
Points: 3 – Halle McCambley, M / Hannah Gamble, M
Wins: 4 – Joven Sandhu, GK
Shutouts: 4 – Joven Sandhu, GK
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Sofia Faremo / M / 1st year / Surrey, BC / Coastal FC
Luciana Andrews / F / 1st year / Coquitlam, BC / Coquitlam Metro- Ford SC
Kayla Tallarico / M / 1st year / Burnaby, BC / Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC
Maya Cuerrier / D / 1st year / Vancouver, BC / TSS Rovers
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brittany Costa / M / Delta, BC / 3 years
Harneet Dadrao / M / Surrey, BC / 5 years
Simi Lehal /F / Surrey, BC / 6 years
Taylor Nekic / D / Surrey, BC / 5 years
Key performer (pictured above):
Sofia Faremo
Midfielder
1st Year
Surrey, BC
2021 Stats: N/A
Although new to the UFV Cascades, Sofia Faremo is poised to have a significant impact in 2022. Whether it comes from setting up teammates, or scoring herself, the first-year midfielder has the potential to create problems for opposing defences, while her strength and athleticism allows her to have an influence on the game from the defensive side. She is sure to be an important player for a young Cascades squad moving forward.
UNBC TIMBERWOLVES
2021 CW regular season record: 1-9-2, 7th
2021 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Neil Sedgwick, 7th season / 10-43-14 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 6 goals, 14th
Defence: 30 goals against, 14th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 3 – Kjera Hayman, F
Assists: 1 – Claire Turner, F
Points: 3 – Kjera Hayman, F
Wins: 1 – Brooke Molby, GK
Shutouts: 1 – Brooke Molby, GK
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Paige Payne, F, 5, Kitimat, UNBC Timberwolves
Kambria Mellum, D, 1, Kelowna, Thompson Okanagan FC
Kate Rattee, W, 1, Kamloops, Thompson Okanagan FC
Kaitlyn Anderson, M, 1, Comox Valley, UI Riptide
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brooke Molby, GK, Squamish / 5
Mikaela Cadorette, D, Richmond, 5
Sarah Zuccaro, M, Nanaimo, 4
Key performer (pictured above):
Kiana Swift
M
4
Sooke, BC
2021 Stats: 1 Goal
Kiana Swift’s impact on the pitch cannot be measured by goals and assists. The heart and soul of the Timberwolves, the relentless midfielder has proven to be one of the premier ball-winners and play-drivers in the conference. A member of the Tongan National team, Swift plays the game with unwavering effort and leadership, and is sure to make her mark on every game this season.
THOMPSON RIVERS WOLFPACK
2021 CW regular season record: 1-8-3, 6th West Division
2021 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Mark Pennington (4th season) / 3-16-7 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 5 goals, 15th
Defence: 22 goals against, 12th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 0 – N/A
Assists: 1 – Sydney Sunderland, Midfield
Points: 1 – Sydney Sunderland, Midfield
Wins: 0 – N/A
Shutouts: 2 – Marissa Young, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Bridget Baird / Midfield / 1 / Oshawa, ON / FC Durham
Kattia Bingham / Midfield / 1 / Victoria, BC / Vancouver Island Wave
Alexis Virgo / Defender / 1 / Ottawa, ON / Ottawa South United
Claire Ye / Midfield / 5 / Coquitlam, BC / Capilano University
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Georgia Aldus / Defender / Kamloops, BC / 5
Rylee Mugridge / Midfield / Maple Ridge, BC / 3
Danielle Robertson / Goalkeeper / Courtenay, BC / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Camryn Curts
Midfielder
5th-year
Courtenay, BC
2021 Stats: (12 starts, 33 shots, 12 shots on goal)
One of the most prolific players in program history, Camryn Curts will put a wrap on an outstanding WolfPack career this season when she plays out her fifth and final year of eligibility.
TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS
2021 CW regular season record: 11-0-1, 1st in Pacific Division
2021 CW post-season record: 3-0, 1st place in CW
Head coach:Graham Roxburgh (23rd) / 189-47-38 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2021 / 9
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2013 / 5
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 36 goals, 1st in CW
Defence: 6 goals against, 2nd in CW
2021 CW regular season leaders:
Goals: 9 – Anna Dunn, M
Assists: 8 – Anna Dunn, M
Points: 17 – Anna Dunn, M
Wins: 11 – Hannah Miller, GK
Shutouts: 9 – Hannah Miller, GK
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Sophie Crowther / F / 1st year / New Westminster, BC / Surrey United
Kylie Hendricks / M / 1st year / Maple Ridge, BC / Coquitlam Metro-Ford
Danielle Cooper / D / 1st year / Surrey, BC / Surrey United
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Elizabeth Hicks / D / Surrey, BC / 5 years
Kathryn Harvey / F / Coquitlam, BC / 5 years
Gabi Low / M / Calgary / 4 years
Key performer (pictured above):
Sierra Halldorson
Midfield
Third year
Winnipeg
2021 stats: 1 goal / 5 assists / 7 points
Sierra Halldorson steps into the shoes of former captain, and U SPORTS All-Canadian Elizabeth Hicks, who recently capped off a stellar five-year campaign with the Spartans. Halldorson, who possesses incredible box-to-box skills in the central midfield, will bear significant responsibility in leading a youthful, yet talented Spartans team back to Canada West glory once again.
VICTORIA VIKES
2021 CW regular season record: 4-5-3, 3rd in West Division
2021 post-season record: 0-1, lost in CW quarterfinals
Head Coach: Tracy David / 21st season / 156-59-45
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2008 / 3
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2005 / 1
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 13 goals, T-9th
Defence: 14 goals against, T-8th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 3 – Emma Skalik, Midfielder and Trinity Kettyls, Forward
Assists: 2 –Emma Skalik, Midfielder and Tess Vande Vegte, Defender
Points: 5 – Emma Skalik, Midfielder
Wins: 4 – Kayley Lidstone, Goalkeeper
Shutouts: 5, Kayley Lidstone, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Ruby Nicholas / Midfielder / 1 / Quesnel, B.C. / Quesnel Strikers
Jamie Verhun / Midfielder / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Blizzards
Sophie Fingarson / Midfielder / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Foothills
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Kyra Teetzen / Midfielder / Quesnel, B.C. / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Dari Coté
Defender
Fifth
Victoria, B.C.
2021 Stats: 2 Goals / 1 Assist / Played all 1170 minutes of the season (13 starts)
Vikes defender Dari Coté returns to the field for her fifth season in 2022. Helping the Vikes’ back line to five shutouts as well as generating two goals and an assist on offence in 2021, Coté will certainly be looked upon to help guide a young Vikes squad on the field in 2022 alongside fellow fifth-year Trinity Kettyls.
ALBERTA PANDAS
2021 CW regular season record: /4-8-0/, position
2021 post-season record: /0-0/, Missed CW Playoffs
Head Coach: Kristyn Shapka (2nd season) / 4-8-0 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2013 / 9
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2001 / 3
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 19 goals, 7th
Defence: 21 goals against, 11th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 3 – Brooke Lang, Forward / McKayla Brault, Forward / Emily Duxbury, Midfield
Assists: 2 – Brooke Lang, Forward
Points: 5 – Brooke Lang, Forward
Wins: 4 – Ashley Turner, Goalkeeper
Shutouts: 3 – Ashley Turner, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Tara Simonot / Fullback / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Sherwood Park Phoenix
Jamie Toutant / Striker / 1 / Lac la Biche, AB / Jr. Pandas Soccer
Michelle Chakanyuka / Midfield / 1 / Edmonton, AB / St. Albert Impact
Juliana Mackown / Midfield / 1 / Devon, AB / Jr. Pandas Soccer
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Megan Duro / Midfield / Edmonton, AB / 4
Georgia Tansley / Forward / Calgary, AB / 4
Key performer (pictured above):
Kelli Haffie
Defence
2nd-year
Sturgeon County, AB
2021 Stats: (11 starts, 1 assist, 2 shots)
Despite coming off a 4-8-0 season in 2021, one of the bright spots for the Pandas was the play of rookie defender Kelli Haffie.
Haffie, a product of North West United, started in 11 of the Pandas 12 matches in 2021. The Sturgeon Country product recorded an assist and a pair of shots for the Pandas, showing off dynamic defending skills in the Alberta backfield. Haffie was also named to the conference’s All-Rookie team in 2021.
It marks the third time in the last four seasons the Pandas have had a player earn a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie team, as they look to build a perennial contender under head coach Kristyn Shapka.
CALGARY DINOS
2021 CW regular season record: 9-2-1, 2nd in Central Division
2021 post-season record: 0-1, Lost in quarter-final
Head Coach: Diogo Raposo and Alex Valerio (1st Season) / Career CW reg. season record 0-0
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2019 / 2
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 1998 / 1
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 31 goals, 4th in CW
Defence: 10 goals against, 3rd in CW
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 1 – Multiple players
Assists: 4 – Jayden Berg, M
Points: 6 – Jayden Berg, M
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Abby Sobczyk / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills WFC
Mykena Walker / D / 1 / Airdrie, Alta. / Calgary Blizzard
Erica Mysko / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Blizzard
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Montana Leonard / F / Richmond, B.C. / 6
Amy Mikuska / D / Calgary, Alta. / 6
Lauren Houghton / G / Calgary, Alta. / 5
Talia White / D / Calgary, Alta. / 6
Damiane Van Wieren / D / Calgary, Alta. / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Jayden Berg
Midfield
2nd Year
Calgary, Alta.
2021 Stats: (1 Goal / 4 Assists / 6 Pts)
Jayden Berg debuted for the Dinos last season and made an immediate impact as part of a veteran starting 11. Collecting one goal and four assists, Berg earned places on both the Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams. She gained more experience this summer playing for the Calgary Foothills side that reached the United Women’s Soccer national championship.
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS
2021 CW regular season record: /2-9-1-/, 5th Central Division
2021 post-season record: Did not qualify
Head Coach: Macky Singh 2nd season / 2-9-1
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 11 goals, T12
Defence: 41 goals against, 16th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 4 – Lucy Mundy, Midfield
Assists: 2 – Lucy Mundy, Midfield, Kaleigh Harris, Striker
Points: 6 – Lucy Mundy, Midfield
Wins: 1 – Bridie Harding, Goalkeeper
Shutouts: N/A
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Alexis Bradford / Midfield/ 1st year/ Abbostford, BC / Abbotsford Women’s Prem
Lisa Popp / Fullback/ 2nd year/ Wurzburg, Germany/ Kenayo College
Kiandra Boulter / Forward/ 1st year / Calgary, AB/ South West United
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Ellie Kabayama/ Fullback/ Lethbridge, AB/ 4 years
Key performer (pictured above):
Name: Lucy Mundy
Position: Centre Back
Year: 3rd year
Hometown: Okotoks, AB
2021 Stats: 4 Goals, 2 assists
After leading the Lethbridge Pronghorns in goals and points a season ago, third-year Okotoks, Alberta product Lucy Mundy will be tasked with moving into a more defensive role to stabilize the Pronghorns from the back line out. Mundy brings energy, speed and her technical and tactical expertise will be counted on to solidify the Pronghorns defensive structure.
MACEWAN GRIFFINS
2021 CW regular season record: 10-2-0, 1st Central
2021 post-season record: 2-1 CW, 3rd / 3-0 U SPORTS Championship, 1st
Head Coach: Dean Cordeiro / 10th season / 58-22-14
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2021 / 1
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 32 goals, 2nd
Defence: 10 goals against, T3rd
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 5 – Grace Mwasalla, F/M
Assists: 5 – Anna McPhee, D
Points: 8 – Grace Mwasalla, F/M
Wins: 6 – Bianca Castillo, GK
Shutouts: 5 – Bianca Castillo, GK
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Kiann Bohnert / D/M / 1 / Lethbridge, AB / Calgary Blizzard
Amelia Russo / D / 1 / St. Albert, AB / St. Albert Impact (UWS)
Sophie Lavallee / F / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Saskatchewan REX
Selynna Simao / D / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Selects FC
Jaycee Krushelniski / F / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Saskatchewan REX
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Samantha Gouveia / D / Edmonton, AB / 5
Meagan Lemoine / F / Edmonton, AB / 5
Kaylin Hermanutz / M / Edmonton, AB / 4
Raeghan McCarthy / F / Edmonton, AB / 4
Salma Kamel / F / Edmonton, AB / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Grace Mwasalla
Forward/Midfielder
2
Calgary, AB
2021 Stats: (5 goals / 3 assists / 8 Pts)
The Canada West All-Rookie team member played like a seasoned veteran in her first university season in 2021, leading the Griffins to the program’s first U SPORTS championship.
Named to the U SPORTS Championship tournament all-star team, Mwasalla was a matchup nightmare for opponents in Cape Breton, scoring the decisive penalty kicks goal that delivered a 3-2 victory for MacEwan over Trinity Western in the final.
She also added two assists in three games and was named player of the game during MacEwan’s 1-0 semifinal win over UBC.
During the regular season, Mwasalla produced seven points in her final seven games and finished as the Griffins’ leading scorer.
She then drove the Griffins to the program’s first-ever U SPORTS Championship berth with a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Saskatchewan in the Canada West bronze medal game.
Mwasalla returns as a leader for the Griffins in 2022, ready to guide a team looking to return to the U SPORTS Championship and run it back.
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS
2021 CW regular season record: /-/, position 3-7-2
2021 post-season record: /-/, playoff finish 4th in Central Division, did not qualify for playoffs
Head Coach (Include headshot): # season / Career CW reg. season record
Tino Fusco, (attach headshot): 13th season, 29-65-23
Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / # N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: Year / # N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: # goals, rank 13, 9th overall
Defence: # goals against, rank 24, 4th overall
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: # – Name, Position
- 6 goals, Sydney Danielewicz, Forward
- 2 goal, Ashtyn Haycock, Midfield
Assists: # – Name, Position
- 2 assist, Sharnae Sedres, Defense
Points: # – Name, Position
- 6 points, Sydney Danielewicz, Forward
Wins: # – Name, Position
- 0 wins, Lizzy Knight, Goalkeeper
Shutouts: # – Name, Position
- 0 shutouts, Lizzy Knight, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Jordan Grundly / M / Eligibility 1 / M / Munich, Germany / FC Bayern Munchen
- Catriona McFadden / F / Eligibility 2 / Calgary, Alberta / UBCO Heat
- Zyna Centeno / M / Eligibility 1 / Saskatoon, Saskatchewan / Astra Soccer Academy
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Janai Martens / M / Grand Prairie, Alberta / 3G / 4PTS / 5 yrs @ MRU
- Katrina Greenley / GK / Calgary, Alberta / 3W / 2. GAA / 0.795 SV% / 5 yrs @ MRU
Key performer (pictured above):
- Sydney Danielewicz / F / Eligibility 2 / Calgary, Alberta / Calgary Blizzards
Sydney Danielewicz met and exceeded expectations by a mile last year with the Mount Royal Cougars. Danielewicz, a local Calgarian and science student at MRU, led the Cougars stats and earned a top 10 position among Canada West statistics leaders in her 10 games played. Finishing fourth overall in shots with 36 and 10th overall with six goals, Danielewicz earned a position on the Canada West All-Rookie team and was honoured with MRU women’s soccer Rookie of the Year award.
Milestone moments for Danielewicz last year included a hat trick against the Lethbridge Pronghorns at home on September 11, 2021. Subsequently, Danielewicz was awarded the MRU Players Bench Female Athlete of the Week and Canada West Women’s Soccer Player of the Week. Although Danielewicz is young, she looks forward to guiding the Cougars to continue their development and progress this upcoming season.
MANITOBA BISONS
2021 CW regular season record: 6-4-2, third in Canada West Eastern Division
2021 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas, tenth season / 40-44-21
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 20 goals, sixth
Defence: 14 goals against, tied for tenth
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 9 – Bianca Cavalcanti, forward
Assists: 6 – Jessica Tsai, midfield
Points: 9 – Bianca Cavalcanti, forward
Wins: 6 – Karina Bagi, goalkeeper
Shutouts: 4 – Karina Bagi, goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Shannon Lee/ defender/ first-year/ Mendota Heights, Minnesota/ Salvo SC
Ava Memka / defender/ first-year/ Winnipeg, MB / Bonivital SC
Torrance St. Laurent / defender/ first-year/ Winnipeg, MB / Bonivital SC
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Shaylyn Dyck / defender/ Winnipeg, MB / five
Gabrielle Clark / midfield/ Centreville, NS/ four
Lauren Martens / forward/ Winnipeg, MB / five
Key performer (pictured above):
Bianca Cavalcanti
Forward
Second-year
Recife, Brazil
2021 Stats: (nine goals/ nine points)
Second-year forward Bianca Cavalcanti made quite the debut in 2021 for Manitoba, finishing in a tie for third in the conference with nine goals. The conference and U SPORTS All-Rookie member, who played on Brazil’s U17 national team as a 15-year-old and also has pro experience, scored in seven different contests for the Herd last season, showcasing her soccer IQ and technical savvy. Look for another big year for the striker amongst a Manitoba offence that was sixth in goals scored in 2021 (20).
REGINA COUGARS
2021 CW regular season record: 7-4-1, 2nd East Division
2021 post-season record: 0-1, lost in Canada West quarterfinal
Head Coach: Astrid Baecker (2nd season / 7-4-1 career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships:N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 19 goals, T-7th
Defence: 13 goals against, 7th
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 7 – Kyra Vibert, forward
Assists: 4 – Grace Miller, forward
Points: 14 – Kyra Vibert, forward
Wins: 7 – Allyson Ford, goalkeeper
Shutouts: 4 – Allyson Ford, goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Mackenzie Albert / M / 1st / Regina, Sask. / FC Regina
Anna Gesell / D / 1st / East St. Paul, Man. / Valour FC Elite Girls & FC Northwest
Treyah Paquette / M / 1st / Winnipeg, Man. / Bonivital SC
Makenna Sackmann / D / 2nd / Saskatoon, Sask. / Junior Huskies Soccer
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Jessica Gaudet / D / Prince Albert, Sask. / 4
Sally Bachmann / F / Pitt Meadows, B.C. / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Name: Jessica Merk
Position: Midfielder
Year: 3rd
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
2021 Stats: 12 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 1029 MP
Jessica Merk enters her third season of U SPORTS eligibility with the Cougars having established herself as one of the team’s pivotal midfielders. After playing a significant role in her rookie season back in 2019, Merk started every match for the Cougars last year and finished second on the team with a total of 1029 minutes played during the conference schedule – an average of nearly 86 per match. Merk, who is majoring in geography and environmental studies through Campion College’s Faculty of Arts, is expected to anchor the team’s midfield again this season.
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
2021 CW regular season record: 7-2-3, 1st in East Division
2021 post-season record: 1-2-0, lost in CW Final Four Bronze Medal Game to MacEwan University
Head Coach : Jerson Barandica-Hamilton 8th season / 51-21-22 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: None
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 28, 5th in CW
Defence: 13, 4th in CW
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 6 – Maya Gabruch, F
Assists: 5 – Payton Izsak, M; Haley Mercier, M
Points: 9 – Maya Gabruch, F
Wins: 7 – Jadyn Steinhauer, GK
Shutouts: 5 – Jadyn Steinhauer, GK
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Cheyenne Lehmann / F / 1 / Langdon, AB / Calgary Foothills
- Amou Madol / D / 3 / Regina, SK / University of Regina Cougars
- Nadia Kalyar / GK / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Astra Academy
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Maya Gabruch / F / Saskatoon, SK / 5
- Taneil Gay / F / Regina, SK / 5
- Jadyn Steinhauer / GK / Saskatoon, SK / 5
- Kaili Cowles / D / Prince Albert, SK / 5
- Hannah Zdunich-Costa / D / Saskatoon, SK / 5
Key performer (pictured above):
Name: Payton Izsak
Position: Midfielder
Year: 4
Hometown: Prince Albert, SK
2021 Stats: 3 Goals / 5 Assists / 8 Pts
The Huskies will be looking to make their way back into the Canada West Final Four this year as they return to the pitch after a successful 2021 season. The team’s number one goal will be to finish first in the Prairie division in hopes of continuing to host a quarter-final game at home. Returning players Payton Izsak, Jade Houmphanh and Alyssa D’agnone will be looked upon as leaders as the Huskies usher in a new era for the women’s soccer program. The Huskies regular season gets underway on August 26, when the Huskies host the Winnipeg Wesmen at 7 PM at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park.
WINNIPEG WESMEN
2021 CW regular season record: 0-10-2, 4th East Division
2021 post-season record: DNQ
Head Coach: Amy Anderson (8th season) / 7-68-19 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: Four goals, 16th
Defence: 34 goals against, 15th
2021 CW regular season leaders(returning):
Goals: 2 – Karrisa Schneider, Midfielder
Assists: 2 – Tia Lecox, Forward
Points: 2 – Karrisa Schneider, Tia Lecox
Wins: None
Shutouts: 1 — Taryn Raabe, Goalkeeper
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Brianna Machado / Midfielder / RS-1st / Winnipeg / MacEwan
Silvana Scaramuzzi / Midfielder / 1st / Winnipeg / Kelvin High School
Grace Klassen / Defender / 1st / Winnipeg / Oak Park High School
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Chantal Boulet / Defender / 5
Sophie Fonseca / Defender / 3
Key performer (pictured above):
Karrisa Schneider
Midfielder
4th
Winnipeg
2021 Stats: (12 Games, 12 Starts, 2 goals, 12 shots)
A Division II transfer in 2020, Schneider instantly became a leader on a young Wesmen roster and provided energy up front in 2021. With a year under her belt, the Wesmen will again look for Schneider to lead by example on offence while complemented in the attacking third by returnees Tia Lecox, Emma Friesen, and transfer freshman Brianna Machado.