EDMONTON - The University of Alberta Golden Bears soccer team opened their 2016 Canada West season with a 1-0 win over their provincial-rival Calgary Dinos, Wednesday night at Foote Field. Sophomore striker Nikko Cuglietta scored the lone goal of the match for Alberta in the 31st minute.
After leading the conference with 15 goals last season, fifth-year Calgary striker Dominic Russo had his best chance just five minutes into the match, but pushed his breakaway opportunity just wide of the Alberta crease. Alberta quickly countered, with Cuglietta also pushing his strike just wide six minutes later.
Cuglietta, however, wouldn't be denied on his next scoring chance, receiving a phenomenal ball in from Tolu Esan, and confidently chipping the ball over keeper Hunter Brett's outstretched hand for Alberta's first goal of the season.
Russo had yet another incredible chance in the closing minutes of the first half, but the tough ball into the crease found his hip, and slid just inches wide of the open Alberta net. Despite being down 1-0 on the scoreboard, the Dinos held a slight 6-4 shot advantage after 45 minutes.
The visiting squad continued to push for the equalizing goal, but third-year Bears keeper Connor James solidified the at-times shaky Bears defence, nullifying all second-half Dino attacks. Mark Bohdan had easily the best scoring chance for Calgary in the second half, but was turned aside by a sprawling James, before having his second-chance shot blocked by Bears captain Tim Hickson.
Rookie Ajeej Sarkaria looked to double up the Alberta lead in added time, but Brett was able to get a hand on the breakaway chance. Alberta would hold onto the slim one goal lead, earning their first victory of the season, and in the 2016 Alberta Cup standings.
The Golden Bears will be back in action tomorrow evening, as they host the 1-0-0 Mount Royal Cougars at 6:00 p.m. at Foote Field. Calgary will also stay in Edmonton, as they visit the 0-1-0 MacEwan Griffins, also at Foote Field.
//Connor Hood - Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics//