Olivia Krol, Dinos Communications

CALGARY – The University of Calgary men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision at McMahon Stadium on Saturday afternoon versus the UBC Okanagan Heat.

The Heat scored in the 32nd minute, then added an insurance marker late in the second half to pick up their third win of the season while dropping the Dinos to 3-4-0.

"I feel there was a lack of concentration from the start really," said head coach Brendan O'Connell. "We conceded from the set play, and we were chasing it from there. We tried to change the formation, and attempted to go a little bit with the 4-4-2. Ultimately, it is very disappointing that the team conceded from the set play."

In the first half, the Dinos created a handful of scoring chances, but were unable to cash them in, and break past the rival's goalkeeper, Mitch McCaw. First-year Adam Huskic came with the initial shot 11 minutes in, with Dominik Zuczek and Ty Werbicki following suit, but all attempts were denied.

After the array of attacks, UBCO swiftly tightened up defensively, and went on to create scoring opportunities of their own. The rivals took the lead in the first half, asHamish Walde scored late in the 32nd minute, off an assist from Nikhil Reddy.

Though the Dinos turned up the pressure, continuing the action till the final minutes of the half, none of the chances generated were successful.

The team came out with a continued sense of urgency in the second half, eager to equalize. Huskic, Zuczek and Werbicki all sent the ball at the goalkeeper, but were ultimately unable to find the net.

After some back and forth play, Andrei Stalfort buried another goal for UBCO to the dismay of the home crowd. With this, the rivalry truly heated up, and the cards started flying. The match ended with each team earning two yellow cards.

Calgary had 15 total shots, while UBC Okanagan managed 11. Dinos goalkeeper Jake Ruschkowski made three saves for the Dinos, while McCaw turned away seven attempts.

Both teams are back on the pitch tomorrow, with the University of Calgary taking on Trinity Western, and the Heat playing Mount Royal Cougars. Calgary's match kicks off at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the West Varsity Pitch on campus.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll