Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics
Lethbridge – Looking to take a step closer to securing a playoff spot the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's soccer team pushed their win streak to six games with a 3-2 win over the division's second place Calgary Dinos.
Entering tonight's game the 'Horns were two points ahead of the Saskatchewan Huskies for the final playoff spot in the division and after the win, are now five points clear. The Huskies take on the Mount Royal Cougars tomorrow in Saskatoon. The 'Horns would clinch a playoff spot with a Huskies tie or loss tomorrow or a 'Horns win on Sunday.
The win improves the 'Horns record to 8-6-1 on the season and leap frog the Cougars by a point for third in the division. The Dinos fall to 9-4-2 but still hold on to second place with 29 points, four points ahead of the Pronghorns.
Stephen Primeau scored twice and Chris Rushworth scored his seventh of the season, he also added two assists. Ryan Doering and Michael McKinnon replied for the Dinos.
Only 12 minutes into the game, the 'Horns hit the board. 'Horns leading scorer Chris Rushworth crossed the ball into the box, finding Stephen Primeau, who one touched the ball into the low corner for his fifth of the season.
Canada West's top offensive team, the Dinos responded quickly. Off a Mark Bohdan corner kick, Ryan Doering was left unmarked and made no mistake, one touching it far side.
Rushworth had a great chance to regain the 'Horns lead, beating a Dino defender to the ball deep in the crease but from a sharp angle, his shot hit the outside of the post.
Back the other way the Dinos pushed forward putting the 'Horns defenders under pressure but the 'Horns defense was able to hold up. However, Jared Fillo did have a solid shot from the top of the penalty area but Nolan French was in perfect position to make the save.
Shot attempts favored the 'Horns 8-5 at the half with the 'Horns scoring on both shots on goal. The Dinos forced French to make two saves.
In the early moments of the second half, Kendell Wiens nearly put the 'Horns up by two. Off a long throw from Rushworth, Wiens flicked a header beating Dino keeper Hunter Brett but not the cross bar.
In the 74th minute, Michael McKinnon had a good look to tie the game off a free kick from 25-yards out but his well struck ball was deflected by French and off the post. But as the play continued McKinnon took the ball at the top of penalty area, turning and placing the ball in the low right corner to tie the game at two.
The 'Horns came right back to regain the lead, Rushworth continued to be a deciding factor in the game, laying a ball off unselfishly to Primeau. Primeau looped the ball over Brett for his second of the night and regained the 'Horns lead, 3-2.
For the final 10 minutes the 'Horns were content to sit back and hold the Dinos to secure the win.
Final stats had the 'Horns holding a 16-10 advantage in shot attempts and a 7-5 lead in corner kicks attempted.
The 'Horns will host their home finale Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm, welcoming the Mount Royal Cougars to the University Community Stadium. The Dinos will also conclude the regular season, Sunday in Saskatoon versus the Huskies.