CALGARY – A goal in the 62nd minute by Joel Waterman was the difference maker Sunday as the Trinity Western University Spartans defeated the University of Calgary Dinos 1-0 on West Varsity Pitch.
Despite Saturday's unfavorable result, the Dinos were not going to be intimidated when taking on the Spartans, and it showed. Calgary put up a fight, putting pressure on the opponent and generating chances all throughout. With the two defeats this weekend, the team currently stands 3-5-0.
Calgary's best opportunity in the first half came from
Bori Falaye in the 45th minute, when the Dinos were awarded a kick after unsporting behavior from the opponent. Trinity Western's Sebastian Colyn pushed the ball away with his gloves, and there was no second opportunity. Earlier in the half,
Kellen Kuipers,
Dominik Zuczek and
Dondre Bailey all had a chance on target, but Colyn managed to deflect every time.
It was the goal by Waterman that broke the stalemate in the 62nd minute; the shot fired at Dinos netminder
Jake Ruschkowski slipped out of grasp and swiftly found the net. Despite this, Ruschkowski played an impressive game, making several impactful saves and outmaneuvering the opponents throughout.
Dinos head coach
Brendan O'Connell praised Ruschkowski, stating, "he's an outstanding player; probably one of the best shot-stoppers I've seen. We are very pleased with what he is doing."
In the second half, both Falaye and
Bryce Connors threatened, but were ultimately denied an equalizer. Tensions ran high as the final whistle drew near, and the referee was forced to distribute seven yellow cards – five for the Spartans, and two for the Dinos.
"They're young, and instead of anticipating things, they're simply reacting late," explained O'Connell. "That's why they've been giving away silly fouls and getting bookings."
Trinity Western University had a 20-11 edge in shots, and took several more corners, 10-3.
Calgary returns to action on Oct. 7, taking on the Mount Royal Cougars at West Varsity Soccer Pitch in their first cross-town face-off of the 2017 campaign. The Spartans will continue play on the road, taking on UBC Okanagan next Saturday in Kelowna.
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