LETHBRIDGE – Playing in the final game of the 2021 Canada West conference schedule, the Lethbridge Pronghorns looked to close out on a positive note, but the result ended in heart break with the Mount Royal scoring in the 88^th minute and in injury time to pick up a 2-0 win in Canada West men's soccer action.
The loss drops the Pronghorns to 0-9-2, while the Cougar improve to 6-1-3.
 
Looking to play spoiler as the Mount Royal Cougars were hoping to solidify their spot atop the Prairie Division, the Pronghorns stymied the Cougars attack for the majority of the first 88 minutes but two late goals spoiled otherwise a great defensive effort.
 
Coming into the final game, the Cougars held a two-point lead on the Calgary Dinos for the top spot, however the Dinos had two games remaining. The win and combined with the Calgary Dinos loss today, the Cougars have secured top spot in the Prairie Division.
 
Following a ceremony that recognized both teams graduating players and Pronghorn head coach Randy Bardock's 30^th season leading the program, the pace started slower than expected between the two southern Alberta rivals, with neither able to grab a hold of the pace of the opening 15 minutes.
 
Quality scoring chances were a premium in the opening half, with shot attempts favoring Lethbridge, 4-3 at the break and the only close chance of breaking the deadlock was a Cougar chance in the 31^st minute.
 
Off a Cougar corner, Pronghorn defender Damon Field cleared a spinning ball that was dangerously close to the goal line.
 
The defensive stalemate continued into the second half with majority of the play remaining between the 30-yard lines.
 
Graduating keeper Nolan French made an exceptional sliding save in the in the 53^rd minute. Cougar Alexi Watson latched on to a through ball but was unable to squeak the ball past a challenging French.
 
In the 83^rd minute the Pronghorns had their best chance of the game. Will Hughes played a perfect ball into the deep in the box, but Bailaal Hassan came off his line to deflect the ball away. Landon Veluw collected the loose ball and had his shot attempt blocked by a Cougar defender.
 
Following a second yellow card of the day to David Musk, the Pronghorn had to play the final five minutes down a man and the Cougars were able to take advantage.
 
Off a free kick, David Schaefer's strike beat French to the top right corner. The goal was Schaefer's sixth of the season.
 
In injury time, the Cougars were rewarded with a penalty kick and Mohamed El Gandour stepped up and sealed the Cougars victory and top spot in the Prairie Division heading into playoffs.