PHOTO GALLERY
BOX SCORE

Orlin Chalmers' Brandon Bobcats debut didn't go exactly as he planned, but it wasn't due to a lack of effort from his side.
 
Chalmers and the Bobcats dropped the 2023 MCAC season opener to the defending champion St. Boniface Les Rouges 1-0 Saturday afternoon at HLC Field.
 
After starting the contest nearly 20 minutes late, the Bobcats spent the first half working to find pace and chemistry.
 
Entering the second half tied 0-0, the Bobcats found another gear, creating havoc that nearly created the game's first lead.
 
Les Rouges keeper Alexi Gagnon contested a ball at the corner of the goal area that Brogan Henry got enough to send toward the St. Boniface net.
 



The ball slowly rolled toward the far post and nearly stopped on the line as Logan Plett cleared the attempt.

Not long after Rachel Mann was sprung on a breakaway before neatly tucking it just inside the Bobcats' post for the game's only goal.
 
The Bobcats out-shot and created more opportunities than USB, but Gagnon couldn't be solved as the third year Winnipeg product recorded 14 saves in the clean sheet.
 
The Bobcats will look to regroup for Sunday's game against the ACC Cougars.
 
Kick-off is scheduled for 1 pm at Brandon's Sportsplex.