CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men's soccer team will look to close out their regular season and secure a home playoff game as they host their final two regular season games this weekend, starting Saturday at Dinosaur Field.
After their faceoff against the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday at 2:15 p.m., the season finale and Seniors' Day match against the Alberta Golden Bears will commence at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Both matches will be streamed live on Canada West TV.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
SOCCER SENIORS – The Dinos will say goodbye to three seniors Sunday as they wrap up their final regular season careers with the UCalgary squad. Dinos' goalie
Jake Ruschkowski, defenceman
Sam Gagne and forward
Jeff Spolnik will all be honoured at the Seniors' Day match against Alberta this weekend. All products of the Calgary Foothills Soccer Club, the trio have all been main fixtures on the pitch for the Dinos throughout the years.
RECAPPING THE WEEK – The Dinos sit 4-5-3 heading into the final weekend of the regular season following a 1-1 showing last week. Things started with a tough 4-2 loss to the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday. On Sunday, Dinos' captain
Eryk Kobza managed to secure the win against Saskatchewan after two late-game goals lifted the Dinos over the Huskies for a 3-2 win.
BATTLE OF ALBERTA – Sunday will be the first time the Dinos have matched up with the Golden Bears since their ultra-competitive season opener in August where the teams tied 1-1. Sunday's matchup could also determine who hosts a playoff game next weekend.
ROOKIE TO WATCH – In the first start of his U SPORTS career, MacEwan Griffins' Ali Blaybel scored twice to lead the Griffins past the Lethbridge Pronghorns. The rookie striker had mostly been used in a super-sub role throughout the season, and will surely be a force on the field Saturday when the Dinos take on their provincial rivals.
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE – Calgary keeper
Jake Ruschkowski continues to re-write the record books as he closes out his career as a Dino. The Calgary netminder now ranks second in Canada West history in two major categories with 287 career saves and 59 career starts in goal.
