CALGARY – The MacEwan University Griffins scored late to make program history in a 1-0 win over the University of Calgary Dinos on Sunday at Dinosaur Field.

Taking care of their own business, the Griffins clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in the Canada West's Central Division – their first postseason berth since joining the conference in 2014. They will visit the Victoria Vikes next weekend, after finishing with a 4-4-2 record.

The Dinos, who had opened their season undefeated through eight games, now drop back to back matches to end the year. With a 4-2-4 record, the Dinos finish third in the Central Division and will get a playoff rematch against the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver. The Dinos faced the Thunderbirds in the conference final in 2019 before making their first-ever appearance at a national championship.

Sunday afternoon's game was a hard-fought battle for both the Dinos and the Griffins, with neither side able to put the ball in the net throughout much of the game. It wasn't until the 82nd minute when first-year midfielder Ali Yildiz broke through the Dinos defence and was able to connect with his teammate, Rakan Yassin on a cross delivered perfectly in stride to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead. 

In the final minutes of action, the Dinos put constant pressure on the Griffins in an effort to tie the score. Griffins goalkeeper Josh Stayko was spectacular, stopping everything that came his way, making key plays late in the game.

Stayko finished with three saves, while Calgary goalkeeper Jake Ruschkowski stopped six shots. MacEwan outshot Calgary 10-7.

The Dinos will begin their postseason run on Sunday, Oct. 31 in Vancouver.