POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE – In their final regular season game, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns clinched their spot in the 2023 Canada West playoffs with a convincing 3-0 home victory against the MacEwan University Griffins. The Pronghorns controlled their playoff fate Saturday afternoon, as a victory against the MacEwan Griffins would put the 'Horns in firm control of their playoff destiny. Will Hughes scored the first goal of the game, finding the back of the Griffins' net off a free kick opportunity, before Karim Bey's penalty kick goal gave the Horns a two-goal cushion. In the second half, Will Hughes extended the Horns' lead earning his second of the game off yet another free kick. With the victory over the Griffins, the Pronghorns secure their place in the Canada West postseason, finishing third in the Prairie Division, earning a date against the University of Victoria Vikes next weekend in Calgary.
 
BREAKDOWN

• A free kick goal in the 14^th minute gave the Pronghorns the early lead Saturday afternoon at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium, as Will Hughes struck a left-footed laser over the hands of MacEwan University goalkeeper, David Sithole.
• The 37th minute of the match saw Kai Sakaguchi come just short of adding an insurance marker, as he hit a strike off the crossbar for the Pronghorns.
• A pivotal play at the end of the first half for the Horns saw Simon Rolfson work inside to force a penalty against the Griffins. Karim Bey capitalized on a penalty kick sending the ball left of the leaping Sithole for the Lethbridge brace.
• In the second half, another free kick opportunity in the 49^th minute gave the Pronghorns their third of the game as Will Hughes found the corner of the Griffins' net, earning his second goal game.
• A chance for the Griffins came in the 52^nd minute of the game, as Rakan Yassin made a run up the sideline but Pronghorn defender, Tom Denness, completed the side tackle to keep MacEwan off the board.
• With the three-goal advantage, the Pronghorns dominated possession to close out the match.

 
NEXT UP
In Canada West postseason action, the Pronghorns will face the University of Victoria Vikes on Saturday, October 28 in Calgary, AB at Mount Royal University.