Cougars Pre-Season Tournament

A very positive weekend for the Cougars as they continue to improve and prepare for the start of the CIS season. The Cougars opened the weekend against the UBCO Heat from Kelowna, BC. After a scoreless first half with both side controlling portions of the game, the Cougars countered on a quick pass from first year Kristen Bloom to streaking 2nd year ACAC All-star Kelsey Kinzner who collectively beat her mark and slotted home the only goal of the game past the out stretched UBCO keeper. With the favourable result, the Cougars were selected to play the powerhouse UofA Pandas who easily handed the Lethbridge side a 5-0 rout in their first match. With a successful match on the Saturday, the Cougars had some confidence and positives to build upon and used this going into the Sunday match. With the wind in the faces, the Cougars were organized and disciplined to hold off any attack that the pandas pushed forward. With no clearcut chances from either side, the score was 0-0 at half. In the second half, the Cougars continued to deal with the panda pressure but eventually cracked when Miller scored in the 55' minute finding the lose ball in the middle of the 18 yard box. The Cougars didn't hand their heads and continued with the game plan....unfortunately, the pandas found the net two more times (71' and 79') earning the 3-0 win. Nevertheless, the Cougars squad needed to see the standard of play from a playoff quality side squad in Canada West and we will be better prepared for the level of play once the season kicks off September 7. "Although we did not get the favourable result today, I took many positives from my players character that I will continue to build from as we look to compete in the Canada West this season". " I am very proud of my squad with what they have put forth thus far. "" -- coach Fusco

Weekend Camp Concludes

The Cougars officially opened the 2012 pre-season camp on August 15th. This past weekend the team was treated to a guest coach where the team was put through daily training sessions, including in-class seminars, to assist with the transition from club to University soccer. There was improvement from early in the weekend to when the weekend wrapped up with regards to team understanding. As the Cougars are still three weeks away from their first CIS match, the Cougars will continue to fine tune and prepare for the season ahead. "I was pleased with the weekend. The pre-season is a great indicator of player character and understanding." Some players were able to grasp the concepts and some players are still maturing and learning. After some education sessions, the team participated in a scrimmage and a pre-season match on the Sunday to concluded the weekend. In difficult hot temperatures, the reserves played well but unfortunately lost 3-1 to their opponent in the scrimmage while the first team battled through the extreme temperatures and found their way to a 6-1 result over the visiting Red Deer College. A good start to the pre-season where the squad will now prepare to enter it's annual pre-season tournament on Saturday vs the visiting UBC-O Heat at 10am.