The Huskies proved too strong for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, posting a 2-1 win to open the season.

The Huskies men’s soccer team kicked off the Canada West season with a 2-1 win over the the University of Winnipeg Wesmen on Saturday afternoon. The team is looking to improve on last year’s strong performance which saw the Huskies finish second in the Prairie division with a 6-5-4 record at the end of the regular season.

The Huskies were down early in the first period when Winnipeg chipped the ball over the head and just out of reach of Huskie keeper Michal Bandula at the two minute mark. This was Bandula’s first start for the team, a permanent role he now fills after the departure of former starting keeper Mark Diakiw. Bandula performed well, allowing just the one goal.

The Huskies offence struck back during the second half when Brett Levis netted a goal. Levis was assisted by both Garrett Peters and Mitch Bauche. This was Levis’ first time back on the field with the Huskies after attending a 10 day tryout with Major League Soccer team Vancouver Whitecaps.

Levis contributed the final goal for the Huskies off a pass from Mathew Gillott in the closing minutes of the match. The goal was enough to secure the first win of the season for the home team.

The Huskies will travel to BC to take on the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves on Friday Sept. 6.

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Photo: Andrew Mareschal