By Olivia Krol; Dinos Communications

CALGARY – Rookie Bryce Connors headed in the game's only goal with just seconds to play in stoppage time as the University of Calgary Dinos wrapped up a weekend sweep of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen with a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon.

Connors finished up a fast-paced, aggressive play that saw the Dinos finally get a solid opportunity behind the tenacious Winnipeg defence. Dominic Russo powered a cross to the unmarked Connors, whose magnificent header soared into the top left corner for the game-winner, with the final whistle blowing just seconds later.

The goal was Connors' second of the season.

"It was an exciting moment for me; it wasn't the best game we've had, so I tried to keep it mellow," Connors said. "For me personally, I thought I received the perfect ball and just headed it in, enjoying every second of it. It's back to the grindstone now though; it was good in the moment, but I have to move on and focus on what's to come."

Throughout the first half, the opportunities were consistent and quality, but the Dinos were unable to convert their efforts into a goal. Kieran Lane-Oppenheim (27th minute) and Michael McKinnon (39th and 45th minutes) both had stellar chances to give the team an advantage, but the Wesmen 'keeper skillfully saved the shots. 

Fighting all throughout the second half, Calgary continued to press their opponents, but seemed unable to launch a successful play until the final minutes of the game. The Wesmen also tried to generate a series of attacks, but their attempts continued to be denied by the Dinos defence as both teams battled a strong crosswind.

The win clinches a playoff berth for the Dinos and puts them five points up with two matches to play in the race for a home postseason date.

"I'm disappointed in the performance; we got the result we wanted, but we are better than that," said Dinos Head Coach Brendan O'Connell. "Hence all the changes made throughout the game – people just didn't perform. There seemed to be a bit of complacency – boys were coming off a 5-0 win, and probably thought it would happen again, but it doesn't work like that."

For the game, the Dinos recorded three saves while the Wesmen goalkeeper was asked to save six shots total. The Dinos held the 16-8 advantage in shots for the game along with the 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

After several weeks at home, the Dinos hit the road next week to face Lethbridge on Thursday, and Saskatchewan on Saturday. The Winnipeg Wesmen will be hosting MacEwan on the final weekend of regular season play.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll