CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos led for most of Sunday afternoon's match at Dinosaur Field, but a goal in the 88th minute by the MacEwan Griffins saw their make-up game end in a tie.
With the Griffins needing to win out to have any chance at making the playoffs, they were playing with a sense of urgency late in this one, as they trailed the Dinos 2-1. Their determination paid off as Liam Creek got his head on a cross in to even the score and stun the Dinos.
Unfortunately for MacEwan, the one point was not enough and eliminated them from playoff contention.
Calgary, who came into the match a point behind the Saskatchewan Huskies for second place in the Prairie Division, came out of the gates fast.
Eryk Kobza sent a beautiful cross into the center of the box, allowing
Dondre Bailey to head it past a sprawling Seth Johnstone for his first goal of the season in the 8th minute.
The Griffins fired right back off a corner when Abass Ajibade raced to the ball and head it over top of 'keeper
Jake Ruschkowski, leveling the game at 1-1 in the 13th minute.
Bailey continued his strong play in the first half as he used some fancy footwork to get down the right sideline and send a beautiful cross to
Derek Brust. The second-year forward got into position and headed the ball in for his third goal of the year to give his side the lead at the half.
The Dinos had a chance to put the game away late in the second half when Kobza was taken down in the box, giving the Dinos a penalty opportunity. Johnstone came up huge though, making the save to turn away Kobza's attempt off the penalty.
The MacEwan goalkeeper was incredible all game, making 10 saves on the day, while keeping the Griffins within striking distance until Creek could score the equalizer.
Following their first tie of the year, Calgary will need some help on the out of the town scoreboard if they want to host a playoff game. The Dinos are tied with the Huskies for points but have one less game to play than the Saskatoon-based club next weekend.
The Dinos will host the Mount Royal Cougars on Saturday, Oct. 18, while MacEwan will welcome the Lethbridge Pronghorns and Huskies to Edmonton to close out their season.
