SASKATOON — USask Huskies coach Jerson Barandica took a huge gamble and decided to play his second stringers against the visiting Bisons of University of Manitoba. And that did not cause any problem as they executed their game plan and took some risks that were enough to bring smiles to the former Canada West Coach of the Year awardee.
“I like how we played in every possession and they did not give the ball away too much. But when we did [lost ball possession] we covered the right areas, took the risks and became creative,” Barandica told SASKTODAY after the Huskies’ 4-1 thrashing of the Bisons at Griffiths Stadium late Saturday night.
“I like what I saw ... I like how lethal we became going forward to try and score goals. Our subs today made a difference when they come in with their energy and the speed that they had. It’s exciting for our team when we have first year players scoring goals.”
Rookie forward Naleya Kobussen sealed the game for the Huskies when she, receiving a pass from sophomore Kieran McKercher, scored in the 83rd minute. The Bisons were still in the game before Kobussen’s goal as they trailed by one goal and were playing more aggressively in challenging every Huskies pass.
The Huskies then played defence with Jadyn Steinhauer thwarting their attempts to tie the game, as the veteran keeper blocked three shots after allowing a 60th-minute strike by midfielder Jessica Tsai, which turned out to be Bisons’ lone goal in the match.
Fifth-year midfielder Taneil Gay, with an assist from Jade Houmphanh, booked her fourth goal of the season for the Huskies in the ninth minute to open up the scoring. McKenna Olson, thanks in part to Payton Iszak, gave the Huskies a 2-0 cushion entering the half.
Kobussen and other second stringers sealed the win for the Huskies in the final 45 minutes of the game. She also had an assist to Iszak, who booted the last goal in the 86th, in additon to scoring in the 83rd minute.
Barandica said, with some of their first stringers resting after the Huskies’ 3-2 win against the Bisons Friday, it was time for some of the rookies and second team to step up.
“Our subs made a difference when they come in and bring that energy.
“We did that today and it gives the players in front of them the opportunity to posses and we have lethal players, then the [opposing] teams struggle to defend us. That what’s exciting about this team, the speed and verticality that we have.”
He also praised how the team played with more rhythm.
“I thought today we dominated from start to finish. Maybe, there was about 10 minutes in the second half when they [Bisons] scored, where it was a bit nervous for us. But, other than that, from minute one to minute 90, the girls dominated and played Husky football [soccer], how we want to play.”
The Huskies will next face provincial rival Regina this weekend, playing a home game at 7:15 p.m. at the Griffiths Stadium before visiting the Cougars at noon Sunday at the U of R Field.
“We just need to get sharper with our possessions. Not give any small chances for teams to score goals, and keep working on how to finish since we missed two or three scoring chances in the first half. It’s also a provincial rivalry, so we're going to be super excited and it's about keeping our emotions in check.”
