POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE – In a crucial Friday afternoon showdown, the Pronghorns edged out the Calgary Dinos 2-1 at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium. Feeling the pressure of Canada West playoffs on the line, the match carried significant implications marking the final weekend of regular season play. Calgary struck first, but Lethbridge equalized with a goal from Karim Bey in the 13th minute. The game remained level until the 86th minute, when Kai Sakaguchi fired home the game-winner for the Pronghorns. The Pronghorns will now turn their attention to Sunday, October 20, when they face the MRU Cougars at 2:15 p.m. The Dinos travel to Saskatoon, SK to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies.

BREAKDOWN

• Calgary took an early lead in just the 5th minute of play. A well-executed corner kick led to a scramble in the box, where Jacob Hunter capitalized on an assist from Owen Antoniuk. Pronghorns keeper Armaan Thawer was unable to secure the ball amidst the congestion, allowing the Dinos to go up 1-0.
• The Pronghorns didn't take long to respond. In the 13th minute, Karim Bey found the back of the net for his second goal of the season. Will Hughes chased down a rebound from his own corner kick and set up Bey, allowing him to slot home the equalizer and bring the game level at 1-1.
• For the remainder of the first half, both teams fought to gain the advantage. Calgary created several scoring chances, with shots from Antoniuk going wide, and Gianmarco Plenzik having multiple attempts blocked by the Horns' defence. Thawer made a crucial save on a shot from Efe Udolu-Joshua to keep the game tied.
• Lethbridge also threatened on their own end, with Damon Field and Tom Denness both sending header attempts wide of the net. Despite opportunities, neither team could break the deadlock by halftime, sending them into the break tied 1-1.
• The Dinos came out aggressively in the second half, continuing to test the Pronghorns' defence. Antoniuk remained a constant threat, but Thawer stood strong in goal, denying any further chances.
• A strong opportunity for Lethbridge came in the 61st minute when Bey, after delivering a dangerous corner kick, nearly set up a go-ahead goal. However, the Pronghorns couldn't capitalize on the chance, leaving the game on a knife's edge.
• Late in the second half, Brandon Francis made his home debut for the Pronghorns and created a promising chance after slipping past two Dinos defenders. However, his shot couldn't beat the keeper, leaving Lethbridge still searching for a winner.
• Calgary continued to press as well, with James Greco-Taylor getting a shot off in the 69th minute, but it was blocked by a solid Pronghorns defence. The Dinos looked for a breakthrough but were continually frustrated by the Horns' backline.
• In the 86th minute, Kai Sakaguchi delivered the decisive blow for the Pronghorns, skillfully finding the back of the net to give Lethbridge a crucial 2-1 lead over the Calgary Dinos. This late-game heroics not only secured the victory but also boosted the team's confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season.
• The final score was Pronghorns 2, Calgary Dinos 1. This hard-fought victory was pivotal in the Pronghorns' quest for a playoff spot, solidifying their position as they prepare for their upcoming match against the MRU Cougars. The Dinos look to refocus as they face the Saskatchewan Huskies to close out the regular season.

NEXT UP
The Horns take on the MRU Cougars this Sunday, October 20, at 2:15 p.m. at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium in their final game of the Canada West regular season. Don't miss the action!