2025-26 schedule: Griffins kick off new season with home opener Aug. 29 vs. Manitoba
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON –August 29 is circled on their calendar as the Griffins women's soccer team will kick off the 2025 Canada West season at home against Manitoba with the goal of returning to the U SPORTS championship for the first time since they won the national title in 2021.
They're back at Clarke Stadium for their home opening weekend vs. the Bisons on Aug. 29-30 (both noon, Canada West TV), part of the full Canada West women's soccer schedule unveiled by the conference on Monday.
SEE GRIFFINS FULL SCHEDULE HERE
"We're ready," said head coach Dean Cordeiro. "The conference is getting stronger and stronger. We can't wait to kick off the season here in August. It's right around the corner.
"We've got big goals this year after coming up short last year. It's going to be an exciting season."
The biggest change comes with Winnipeg folding its women's soccer program as it means more doubleheaders, including the aforementioned two-game set against Manitoba on their opening weekend. The Griffins also face the same scenario later in the season when they travel to Lethbridge for back-to-back games Oct. 4-5.
"I think you'll see some of those Game 2s become a little bit feistier because it's the same opponent," said Cordeiro. "It's a change and that creates some new dynamics. Every game presents a new challenge."
MacEwan will hold five of their seven home games at Clarke with a pair still at Edmonton Scottish – the facility they played in last season due to renovations at Clarke. They have a chance to make early hay at home with six of their home dates in either August or September, but the flip side is they have five-straight road matches in October.
"Each game is important and the season goes fast," said Cordeiro. "It's great to be at home to kickstart things – getting our fans going and playing in front of the home crowd always gives us a boost,"
Canada West teams will battle through the nine-week long regular season until Oct. 19, setting the stage for another thrilling postseason. Women's quarterfinal matches will take place Oct. 24 to 26, with the Final Four hosted by the highest remaining Pacific Division team from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
This year's U SPORTS national tournament is set for Nov. 6- 9, hosted by McMaster in Hamilton, Ont.
