LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns opened their Canada West season Saturday afternoon at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium, falling 2-1 to the Mount Royal University Cougars in a hard-fought home opener.
After rain moved through Lethbridge earlier in the day, the skies cleared for kickoff as the Pronghorns took the field looking to make an early statement. Entering the season ranked 15th in the Canada West coaches poll, the Horns embraced their underdog role and came out brightly against the Cougars.
The opening 20 minutes were closely contested, with Lethbridge creating early opportunities. Kate Kungel was active in the attacking third, while the Pronghorns also generated pressure through set pieces. Mount Royal settled into the match, however, creating several chances midway through the half.
Brooke Miller hit the post in the 22nd minute before forcing a save from Pronghorn goalkeeper Kate Prince shortly after. Prince remained busy throughout the match, keeping Lethbridge within striking distance.
Mount Royal broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. After earning a pair of corners, Analisa Galvez delivered a dangerous ball into the box that was headed on by Dany Juarez and past Prince to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Lethbridge came out with renewed pressure in the second half, but Mount Royal continued to threaten, with Gabrielle Linford hitting the crossbar early in the half.
The Pronghorns eventually found their breakthrough in the 71st minute. Brynn Birnie entered the match and quickly made an impact, winning possession from Paige Dwane and driving into the box before being brought down to earn a penalty.
Kungel stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending her effort into the top corner to level the match at 1-1. The goal marked Kungel's first as a Pronghorn after transferring from the Alberta Pandas.
Mount Royal regained the lead in the 75th minute when Kalia Bzeta's ball into the box found Maddy Albert, who headed it past Prince to make it 2-1.
The Cougars were awarded another penalty four minutes later, but Prince came up with a big save on Galvez's attempt to keep the Horns within one.
Lethbridge pushed forward in the closing minutes, and Julia Reale's corner in the final minute found Chiara Duenser, whose header struck the crossbar.
The Pronghorns were unable to find the equalizer as Mount Royal held on for the 2-1 victory.
Despite the result, Lethbridge showed plenty of fight in its season opener and will look to bounce back Sunday when the two teams meet again at Community Stadium at 2 p.m.
