CALGARY – The Mount Royal University Cougars scored five goals in the second half to open their Canada West campaign with a 5-0 win over the Calgary Dinos on Saturday afternoon at Mount Royal's Stadium Field.

Mohamed El Gandour, Orest Ndabaneze, and Dane Domic scored less than 10 minutes apart to stun the Dinos early in the second half. Mount Royal added two more tallies from Miguel Da Rocha and Andre Griffiths to round out the scoring.

The Dinos best offensive chances came during an even first half, including a heavy shot by Derek Brust that was setup by some nifty footwork from Dominik Zuczek.

Mount Royal had some scoring opportunities of their own during the first half, but it was not until the 49th minute that El Gandour netted the first goal of the season. Moments later,  Ndabaneze doubled the lead for the home side.
 
Domic assisted on each of the first two goals and then was awarded an opportunity for his own with a swift dance around the Dinos defenders as the Mount Royal attack at the net continued.  
 
Da Rocha snuck past the Dinos to score the Cougars fourth goal. Despite the score, Calgary remained relentless in pushing against the home team, striving for any opportunity.  
 
In the last 10 minutes of play, the Cougars substituted Griffiths into the game, using his fresh energy to push Mount Royal's fifth goal past Calgary goalkeeper Jake Ruschkowski. Despite a few last well-coordinated attempts by the Dinos, Mount Royal's defence held strong through the end of the game, giving the home team a season opening victory over their cross-town rivals. 
 
Kyran Valley recorded a clean sheet with three saves, while Ruschkowski turned away five of the 10 shots he faced.

The Dinos resume play next weekend with home games against the Lethbridge Pronghorns and Saskatchewan Huskies, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.