CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men's soccer team played out a 1-1 draw against the Mount Royal Cougars on Saturday at Mount Royal Stadium in the Dinos' final regular season game.
The result confirmed the Dinos record for the season at 9-3-2, while Mount Royal finished on 7-4-3.
Playing with 10 men for the majority of the game, the Cougars held firm until defender Jacob Hunter put his side ahead in the 65th minute. Mount Royal answered three minutes later to level the score via Bwidju Mutongolo's first goal of the season.
Calgary had to be patient. After Alex Kemsley was shown red in the 25th minute for bringing down Efe Udolu-Joshua, Calgary were unable to capitalise and find the opening goal before half time. The Dinos registered four shots in the opening 45 minutes, including attempts from Udolu-Joshua, William Omoreniye and Nick Carr.
The Dinos controlled much of the second half and outshot the Cougars 10-3 after the break. Hunter broke through in the 65th minute, heading home at the back post following an assist from Edomias Nesibu for his third goal of the season.
Mount Royal responded almost immediately. Valentin Kirchner tied the game in the 68th minute, set up by Mutongolo to put his side level.
Calgary pushed for a winner the rest of the way. Josral Frederick and Josiah Walter each forced a save from Mount Royal goalkeeper Bryce Benton, in the 79th and 83rd minutes respectively, and the Dinos got off three more attempts in the final moments, all of which were blocked or sailed wide. Calgary finished with a 14-4 edge in shots, and Benton made three saves in the second half.
The Dinos finished first in the Prairie Division and now head into the Canada West playoffs, playing in the quarter-fnals on Oct. 30 at McMahon Stadium, with a kick-off of 4pm.
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