CALGARY - With this weekend's home and home series against the Lethbridge Pronghorns marking the midway point of the Canada West season, the Calgary Dinos men's and women's soccer teams face completely different situations moving forward.

The Dinos men have been one of the bigger surprises in Canada West this year, going 3-1-2 over six games, which is good for a tie for third place with the Saskatchewan Huskies – who themselves are a feel-good story in 2010.

Perhaps more impressively, the Dinos have managed such a record by competing with and beating a host of ranked teams. This past weekend in particular the Dinos beat the previously no.2 and undefeated UBC Thunderbirds 1-0 before managing a scoreless draw with the once no.7 Trinity Western Spartans.

The Dinos find themselves caught in a five team race for four postseason berths, with Trinity Western just a point out of fourth place with a game in hand. Their results against teams lower in the standings might make the difference by year's end, with a great example being their upcoming weekend with the 'Horns.

Lethbridge has struggled so far in 2010 at 1-4-1, with an 8-0 loss to Saskatchewan proving the biggest blemish. However no game is predictable in the windy confines of U of L Community Stadium, where the Dinos have lost each of the past four years. However as bad of luck they've had in Lethbridge, they've made up for it at the West Varsity Pitch, beating the Pronghorns in each of the past four years.

Goalkeeper #J.P. Crescenzi# was outstanding for the Dinos against the BC powerhouses this past weekend, earning two shutouts with 12 saves. Midfielder Brian Delaney earned an assist on the lone goal from Jeff Marsden in Saturday's 1-0 victory, which brings his yearly point total to four, good for tenth in the conference.

Izak Lawrence who had a tremendous first couple of games for Calgary has cooled off with extended pressure being put on him, but remains a powerful threat for the Dinos.

Blake Irvine, Brett Silbernagel and Marcus Johnston are each credited with one of the three 'Horns goals on the season, while Colin Pattison has had the best luck in net, earning the lone win and tie for Lethbridge.

The Dinos women, who as a strong veteran team had high expectations coming into 2010, have struggled thus far and cannot seem to find a consistent identity. This past weekend against Manitoba and Regina was a prime example, as they completely outplayed the Bisons on Saturday in a 3-1 victory before dropping a listless 2-1 match to the Cougars on Sunday.

The Dinos haven't been able to establish their usual offensive prowess, with forwards Tessa Miller and Morena Ianniello as well as midfielder Lindsay Burrowes struggling to find the back of the net on a steady basis.

In an attempt to shake up the offense this past weekend, head coach Robin Slot switched Caitlin Milne from defence to offence and saw immediate results, as they fifth year Calgarian scored twice in two games. However a more well-rounded attack is certainly needed for the Dinos to find success.

The Dinos sit tied for sixth place in Canada West, and are four points out of a playoff spot. Victories are now of the essence in order to reach their goal of making Canada West playoffs, and against Lethbridge, with whom they share sixth place, they might be in luck.

The Pronghorns have had definite difficulties through their first six games, dropping one game by a score 9-0 to the Saskatchewan Huskies. In total, they have been outscored 20-4, in comparison to Calgary who has been outdone 12-9.

They are led by Janelle Groten, who has two goals, and Andrea Nippard, who has a goal and an assist.

Following their weekend set, both the Dinos and 'Horns will take Thanksgiving off before going back on the road starting Oct. 16 when they will face Regina and Manitoba.

-UC-