BOX SCORE CALGARY – Playing in a winter wonderland, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies put a dent in the University of Calgary Dinos' playoff hopes, handing them a 2-1 loss at West Varsity Soccer Pitch on Saturday afternoon.

The teams battled blizzard-like conditions for the first half of the game, necessitating the use of red soccer balls to differentiate the ball from the snowy field – and the prairie Dogs seemed right in their element in earning the victory.

With the win, the Huskies move to 7-4-0, while the Dinos drop to 3-5-3. However, the Dinos received some help from crosstown rival Mount Royal, which earned a tie with Manitoba Saturday. The tie gives the Bisons a one-point lead over Calgary with one game remaining for each squad: Calgary will host Regina Sunday, while Manitoba will visit Alberta. A Calgary win coupled with a Manitoba loss or tie would give the Dinos the eighth and final playoff spot.

Saskatchewan had a glorious opportunity to score in the first minute as they were aarded a penalty kick. Daniela Fuenzalida took the kick for the visitors, but was stopped by fifth-year goalkeeper Kristen Barton as she stretched out and took away the attempt going left.

The Huskies tried to overcome the tough weather conditions by playing a very an aggressive game. While this led to more fouls being handed out to the team in green, they would score first in the 13th minute. Receiving a pass from Kasya Naidu off a turnover, Erica Hindmarsh lobbed a shot over a challenging Barton and in for the early led.

As the snow stopped temporarily late in the first half, the youthful Dinos organized their attack and tied the game right before the break. Left alone with the ball, Andrea Stinson found Lauren Vernon who booted a shot past Marissa Struik to even the score at 1-1.

With the snow being cleared during halftime, both clubs were able to make a more regular game. With less traction to the ball and some replacements brought in, there was a better pace to the offence for both sides.

While Saskatchewan continued to put shots on net, it wasn't until they got some new bodies on the field that the Huskies were able to break the tie. Immediately after the subs, Hindmarsh picked up her second goal of the afternoon with an assist going to Nicholle Morrison at the 80th minute.

Calgary would bring in some more substitutions as they attempted to pick up at least a point after the 2-1 goal, but nothing came of it.

The Dinos were outshot in the game 17-6, Barton made eight stops, while Struik denied five attempts.

Calgary and Saskatchewan will close out their seasons tomorrow afternoon. Calgary will host Regina, looking to claim the final playoff spot, while Saskatchewan will take on Lethbridge, knowing they already have a spot locked up in the post season.

NOTE: Sunday's Dinos-Regina game has been moved to McMahon Stadium. Kickoff will go at 12 p.m. MT, with all spectator seating on the west side of the stadium. Entry will be through the south west gate.

-UC-