Olivia Krol, University of Calgary Sports Information
CALGARY – Rookie Bori Falaye and veteran Dominic Russo each scored twice to lead the University of Calgary Dinos to a 5-0 shutout over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Wednesday night at the West Varsity Soccer Pitch.
After a 30-minute delay due to lightning and thunder in the first half, the Dinos launched a constant attack on the Huskies' goalkeeper. Leonardo Culina and Dominick Zator both threatened, but it was the freshman Falaye who managed to break down the Huskies defenceto score the only first-half goal in the 37th minute. It was Falaye's first CIS goal, assisted by captain Zator.
Zator created yet another opportunity for Falaye moments into the second half, in the 47th minute, which the newcomer took full advantage of, scoring his second goal of the game. A minute later, Kieran Lane-Oppenheim scored his second goal of the season, assisted by Dominic Russo.
Dinos usual goal-getter Russo continued the positive streak with a header in the 59th minute, which was made possible thanks to a pass from Ty Werbecki. An All-Canadian last year Russo continued to impress by scoring yet another goal, a beautiful slow-rolling ball onto an empty net in the 60th minute.
While Saskatchewan never ceased in its attempt to come back, Calgary proved to be not only strong in the attack, but defense as well. Several times in the second half Huskies midfielder Mitchell Bauche kept the Dinos' 'keeper on his toes, but Hunter Brett managed to preserve the shutout.
When asked about his post-game thoughts, the Dinos' coach was clearly pleased with the end result.
"The rhythm comes away a little bit, but we got back into it," said Brendan O'Connell about the delay caused by lightning. "I don't know why we start off slow, but we become strong at the end. Pleasing thing was seeing all the kids get on and seeing what they can do. I'm pleased with Bori and what he did too, so overall a lot of positives."
Calgary finished the day with 18 shots compared to 11 by the Saskatchewan Huskies. Brett made five saves for the Dinos, while Greg Buckley turned away four attempts.
Both teams return to action Thursday as Saskatchewan faces Mount Royal while Calgary takes on the Lethbridge at 6 p.m. at West Varsity Pitch.
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