ATCO Field provided a picturesque setting for Calgary Wild FC to secure their first competitive victory of 2026, as the Owls cruised to a thrilling 4-0 result over CSMRO Griffons.
Through textbook utilization of their 4-3-3 formation, the Owls commanded a dominant share of possession in the first half, limiting the Griffons to just two final-third entries.
Chances were plentiful in the opposite final third for the Wild, with two goals called back before Mya Jones finally found the net in the 30th minute. A powerful right-footed strike from just inside the box took a deflection off Griffons defender Lucie Illy and found the back of the net. The go-ahead marker came as a relief to the squad and supporters alike, as the tension continued to build with each save and squandered opportunity.
The Wild offence wasted no time getting started in the second half. An expertly delivered cross from Grace Stordy was narrowly missed by Jorian Baucom in the box, but Jones was closely following and headed the ball past Lea Palacio-Tellier to double the home side's lead.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Wild added a third thanks to Taylor Otto's first goal with the club. Otto redirected a Jorian Baucom header that appeared to be heading just wide of goal after Baucom met Taegan Stewart's incoming corner kick.
Serita Thurton put the result beyond any doubt in the 85th minute. A short corner set piece saw Keelyn Stewart dribble the ball into the box before laying the ball off to Jeneya Robertson. Robertson's strike was poorly hit and wasn't headed toward goal, but Thurton was able to corral the ball and ensure the win for the home side.
Standout players
Wild FC: Mya Jones
Mya has been nothing short of sensational since joining her hometown team in February. With her two goals in this match, she has now accounted for four of the Wild's 13 goals in all competitions and has established herself as a constant offensive threat for a team that has struggled to score since its inception.
After missing the entire 2025 season through injury, Jones' bounce-back campaign should be turning heads around the NSL and beyond.
CSMRO: Lea Palacio-Tellier
The keeper was tasked with fending off consistent pressure from a relentless Wild attack. The captain made key saves throughout both halves that kept the score respectable against higher-level competition, despite the Griffons being significantly outchanced.
The Owls will advance to face Ottawa Rapid in the inaugural W Canadian Championship semi-finals in early 2027, with dates and times for the upcoming round yet to be announced.
In league play, the Wild will travel to Burnaby on Saturday, August 8, for a meeting with Vancouver Rise. The sides last met on July 11, when the Rise earned a 4-2 victory at McMahon Stadium.
The Griffons' 2026 campaign comes to an end after an impressive second-place finish in Ligue1 Québec. The squad will look to continue their strong run of form in 2027, when their goal will be to reclaim the provincial title and once again qualify for the Inter-Provincial Championship and W Canadian Championship.
