Eoin Colquhoun, Lethbridge Sports Information
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – With two goals in the first half and an insurance marker in the second, the Calgary Dinos spoiled the Lethbridge Pronghorns' 2017 home opener with a 3-1 victory.
Statistically the Dinos were the better team on this night as well, shot attempts favored the Dinos 25-8 and corners were also in the visitors favor 5-1.
Kellen Kuipers, Dominik Zuczek and Bori Falaye scored for the Dinos, while Ellis Davies scored the lone goal for the Pronghorns.
The loss drops the Pronghorns to 1-3-1 on the season, while the Dinos, who had their bye week last week, improves to 2-1-1.
A slow start by the Pronghorns in their home opener gave the Dinos the early possession advantage and offensive chances. While the 'Horns defence was able to hold the attack at bay in the early going, the Dinos early pressure was rewarded in the 16th minute, as Kellen Kuipers curled a shot from outside the box over the out-stretched hands of 'Horns keeper Nolan French to give the Dinos the early lead.
That lead was short lived however, with 'Horns tying the score only four minutes later. Stephen Primeau's perfectly played corner kick found the head of first-year midfielder Ellis Davies and past the Dino keeper.
Dominik Zuczek brought the Dinos back in front on a great individual effort, taking the ball at the top of the box, turning off his defender and beating French with a well placed shot to the low right corner.
Early in the second half, Stephen Primeau had a great chance to level the game again but Borle stayed square to the shot and made the save easily.
The Dinos did think they had extended the lead to 3-1, but what would have been Zuczek's second of the night was called back on an offside.
With the Dinos pressing to find the insurance goal, French held the fort for the Pronghorns, making numerous saves, none better than his one on Bori Falaye. Falaye took the ball deep in the 'Horns penalty area but French was able to slide with him and take a sure goal away.
With 15 minutes remaining, Falaye was finally rewarded for his hard work offensively, taking a pass from Jared Fillo and placed a perfect shot into the top right corner. The goal came on his team-leading sixth shot attempt.
French finished the night making eight saves, while his counterpart turned aside three Pronghorn shots in the win.
The Pronghorns are back on the University Community Stadium field Saturday afternoon, hosting the Mount Royal Cougars. Kick-off is slated for 2:15 and will be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv. The Dinos will head to Saskatoon for a match-up with the Saskatchewan Huskies to complete week three's action.