Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics
Lethbridge – In what was a must-win game, the Lethbridge Pronghorns scored once in each half to down the Saskatchewan Huskies 2-0 and keep their playoff drive alive.
Entering the weekend, the 'Horns trailed the Huskies seven points for the final spot in the Prairie Division. The win improves the 'Horns record to 4-6-1 on the season. The loss snaps the Huskies four game winning streak and drops their record to 5-4-2.
Kendell Wiens and Chris Rushworth scored for the Pronghorns, while Nolan French made three saves to earn the clean sheet.
Play in the opening half was choppy and lacked any flow to the game but both teams did have their chances to hit the scoreboard. The teams traded chances early but the 'Horns would open the scoring in the 30th minute.
Kendell Wiens fought off a Huskie defender and as Huskie keeper Greg Buckley raced off his line, Wiens was able to reach the ball with his toe, poking past Buckely and into the left corner.
Facing a goal deficit, the Huskies had their three best chances following the 'Horns goal. Marcello Gonzalez headed the ball just over the bar and Tyler Redl and Bryce Marinus had back-to-back chances in close but Nolan French made two stellar diving stops.
Each team had three shots on goal in the half and the Huskies had two corner kicks to the 'Horns one.
The choppy play continued in the second half with neither team being able to take control. Much of the play in the opening 25 minutes was played between the 20 yard lines.
The first quality chance came in the 72nd minute with Wiens letting go a hard shot from inside the penalty area but Buckley made the difficult save to keep his team within one.
However, the 'Horns did double the lead with just over six minutes remaining. Stephen Primeau's cross into the box to a wide open Chris Rushworth, who slid to reach the cross and one-touch it into the back of the net.
At the whistle, the 'Horns held a 16-10 shot advantage, while both teams finished with three corner attempts.
The 'Horns and Huskies will conclude their weekend series tomorrow afternoon at the University Community Stadium. Kick-off is set for 2:15pm