LETHBRIDGE – The Pronghorns fell 2-0 to the Mount Royal University Cougars on Sunday at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium.
Mount Royal came out strong, putting the Pronghorns under pressure early and generating several chances in the opening minutes. The visitors earned a penalty kick in the 23rd minute after Jose Castaneda collided with a Cougar while attempting to clear a bouncing ball. Finn Marshall converted from the spot, sending his shot low to Tegan Romaine's right to give Mount Royal the lead.
The Pronghorns looked to respond, with Robert Woodroffe-Brown testing Mount Royal goalkeeper Sjard Strauss with a header in the 16th minute. Alessio Gusciglio also forced a pair of saves from Strauss in the opening half, while Adam Meier saw a late first-half effort turned aside. Despite generating opportunities, the Pronghorns went into the break trailing 1-0.
Mount Royal doubled its lead just 1:48 into the second half, as Marshall found space inside the box and finished for his second goal of the afternoon. The forward finished with seven shots, including four on target, and converted his lone penalty attempt.
The Pronghorns continued to push for a response after the restart, earning six corner kicks in the second half as they looked to get back into the contest. Woodroffe-Brown recorded four shots, while Gusciglio added four attempts, including two on target, as the home side searched for a breakthrough.
Lethbridge finished with 12 shots, four on target, and eight corner kicks, while Mount Royal recorded 21 shots, eight on target, and six corners. Strauss made four saves to secure the shutout, while Romaine also finished with four saves for the Pronghorns.
Late in the match, Lachlan Atkinson produced a goal-line clearance to deny the Cougars a third goal and keep the deficit at two. However, the Pronghorns were unable to find the back of the net as Mount Royal secured the 2-0 victory.
