Women's Soccer Huskies sweep Rustlers, eye strong performance at Championships

In a must-win weekend, the Keyano Huskies Women’s Soccer team pulled through to extend their season and streak of seasons qualifying for the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference’s (ACAC) second season.
 
A 4-0 win Saturday and a 6-1 result in their favour Sunday put the finishing touches on a 7-2-3 season that will see them set their sights on earning a podium spot in the ACAC for a third year in a row.
 
“I think the girls have done what they needed to to get into championships,” Head Coach Niels Slotboom said. “There’s been some ups and downs, but I think we’re deserving of being in the playoffs.”
 
Saturday, the Huskies were buoyed offensively by a natural hat trick from Marissa Mestre as well as a single strike from Rofyda Khaleel. Wanyi McLennan-Dillabough, who faced zero shots on target, earned their sixth win of the season.  
 
Nathalie Andersson assisted on three goals while Elly McFee drew the other assist.  
 
That win secured their playoff positioning. While Sunday’s matchup was then a non-factor in the standings, there was plenty to note from the 6-1 result.  
 
Another hat trick by Mestre as well as single strikes from Aimée Menting and Andersson featured in the win. Defensively, rookie goalkeeper Alyssa Maitland shook off an early conceded penalty kick to earn her first win.  
 
In qualifying the 2025 ACAC Women’s Soccer Championship in southern Alberta, the Huskies will have plenty of storylines colliding.   

It was three years ago at the same venue of Raymond, Alta. where the Huskies looked poised to breakthrough before a tough defeat at the hands of the hosts. A year ago, the Huskies defeated the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens, this year’s quarter-final opponent and national championship host, who will be out to get their own measure of revenge.  
 
From a positive view point, the Huskies can complete a historic era that saw them move from the bottom of the standings into a top contender throughout the last five seasons. Topping it off with a third-straight appearance on the ACAC podium, especially a Gold Medal, would be the ultimate send-off for the seven graduating senior players.  
 
“It’ll be an amazing experience for the girls; there’s only one way to get it,” Slotboom said. “It’s a huge learning opportunity for all of them and there’s always something there; anything can happen.”  
 
The Huskies and RDP Queens will clash at Comet Stadium in Raymond, Alta. on Friday, October 24 for the right to face the Concordia Thunder in the semi-finals. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30pm.