Mwasalla moves into Canada West all-time top-10 list with 34th career goal as Griffins beat Huskies

EDMONTON – Among all the big goals Grace Mwasalla has scored for the Griffins since coming to MacEwan in 2021, she will never forget the one she got on Sunday.

Her header goal in the 50^th minute was the 34^th of her illustrious career, moving her into the prestigious all-time top-10 list in Canada West women's soccer history.

The tally also delivered a huge 1-0 win for the Griffins over Prairie Division rival Saskatchewan, helping them remain in a playoff spot at 4-2-0.

"It's a big accomplishment," said Mwasalla, who moved into a tie for 10^th with Krista Gomeringer, who had 34 goals for Trinity Western from 2012-16. "I obviously couldn't have done it without my teammates, but to be top 10 in Canada West is pretty special and something I didn't think I'd get to, but I'm glad I came back for my final year and I'm able to get there."

After Emma Clark repelled a Saskatchewan clearing attempt by firing it right back into the box, Alyx Henderson corralled the ball and sent a shot that Saskatchewan keeper Kalin Roberts tipped off the crossbar. Mwasalla flew through the air, driving the rebound in with her head for her 11^th career game-winner, which moves her into a tie for fourth in Canada West history in that category.

"We saw something in Grace when we recruited her," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro of the Calgary Blizzard product. "I did really believe she could be the best player in the league, and she's accomplished that. When she's in her form, there's nobody better and there's nobody I'd rather have on the pitch. She's so clutch. 

"The crazy thing to think is she played a whole season last year with a torn ACL and look how productive she was. She had a career year when she hurt her knee (in 2023), and she only played half a season. You've seen what she's been able to accomplish, and she's missed a bunch of time. 

"But you know what – we're focused on the now. We're at Game 6 (of the season). She's got another eight games and hopefully she will keep adding (to her total). Hopefully she can keep climbing."

The Griffins continue to climb as a team, as well, quickly putting two tough losses last weekend in the rearview mirror with a six-point weekend where they outscored Regina and Saskatchewan 7-0. The win on Sunday was extra important with the Huskies entering the match only three points behind them in the standings.

"Very important," said Mwasalla. "Obviously last weekend we didn't like the result. I just loved our response. We had a great week at training, and the coaches really pushed us. Everything that we worked on throughout the week we applied to both games. 

"Just happy to be back in the win column and having a six-point weekend."

Saskatchewan gave MacEwan a game as possession and chances were fairly even throughout the match (the shots finished 12-12 with the Griffins outshooting the Huskies 6-5 on goal). 

The Huskies had lots of success from the wide areas, putting multiple crosses into striking range, but they couldn't finish. Their best chance of the contest came in the 41^st minute when Alyssa D'Agnone hit the inside of the left post, but it stayed out.

Both goalkeepers (Sabrina Alexander for MacEwan and Roberts for Saskatchewan) finished with five saves.

"Margins are very small in the league," said Cordeiro. "Sask is a hell of a team, and it was a battle today. I'm happy we got the job done. 

"Seven goals in two games, two clean sheets. We'll take it and get back to work for an important week ahead of us with Calgary and MRU at home. We're going to look forward to those matches."

MacEwan will next host MRU on Sept. 20 and Calgary Sept. 21 (both 12 p.m., Clarke Stadium, Canada West TV).