Brazilian recruit leading Bisons on pitch

WINNIPEG – It’s no surprise Bruna Mavignier loves soccer.

She did grow up in Brazil where everyone lives and breathes the beautiful game.

But Mavignier is only now playing on a pitch.

“I used to play futsal,” said the 21-year-old. “So this is my first year playing soccer.”

Mavignier spent her childhood playing a form of indoor soccer. She’s been in Manitoba for a year, studying on a scholarship. The transition to life in Canada was easy. The switch to soccer, a bit tougher.

“It’s a little hard, especially fitness,” said Mavignier. “Futsal is a fast game so I would say I have to sprint fast but for not so long. Soccer I have to handle 90 minutes of the game and extra time.”

“It has taken her some time to develop the technique to do the long balls and shooting,” said Bisons women’s soccer head coach Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas. “But she’s getting there.”

And it didn’t take long. Mavignier scored twice during the herd’s season opening weekend in which the team went 1-1. She also had a goal and an assist during the pre-season in her first ever organized soccer game.

“It’s a little bit of luck and hardwork,” said Mavignier. “I just want to help my team so much.”

They’re noticing and so will her homeland.

“She has a lot of talent,” said Martinez-Lagunas. “I’m pretty sure in the future, she can help Brazil a lot.”

The Bisons return to action this Saturday when they host cross-town rivals, the Winnipeg Wesmen.