Playoffs just out of arms reach

By Amanda and Krista VanSteelandt

The Dinos men’s soccer team traveled to the University of Lethbridge Fri., Oct. 21 to feast on Pronghorn. It was a satisfying meal, but the University of Victoria Vikes caused some indigestion Sun., Oct. 23.

The University of Calgary was on the board early on Friday with goals from Andrew “Horse” Waiand and Lauren “Bamboo” Ramos. The slumbering Pronghorns snapped to it. Two minutes after the U of C’s second goal, the Pronghorns responded with a goal from Justin Tse.

Late in the first half, U of L defender Josh Shuttleworth was tossed with a red card. U of L was down a man for the rest of the game, but Calgary couldn’t capitalize, and the rest of game remained scoreless. The final score was 2-1 for the Dinos.

The Dinos were at home on Sunday to host the Vikes. The U of C came out strong in the first half with copious chances. Unfortunately, each was just wide of the net or deflected by Vike keeper Colin Gray, who got a piece of everything but the ladies.

In the second half the Vikes dominated. UVic’s Hee Young Chung found time to score off a cross from Wil Moore in the short time he was on the field.

Their lead was padded in the 76th minute when a penalty kick was awarded for a fall by Vike Kyle Langseth in the box. Kyle Finner struck it past keeper Brian “Ginger” McDonnell.

“This was the most disappointing day this season,” said Head Coach Andy Gibbs. “We didn’t capitalize on our chances in the first half, and they capitalized on their chances in the second half.”

The 2-0 win allows UVic to creep a little closer to the Dinos in competition for the fourth and final playoff spot in Canada West. The U of C is currently sitting in fourth place with 15 points, just ahead of UVic’s 13 points.

The top three have clinched their playoff spots, with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in first, the University of Alberta Golden Bears in second, and Trinity Western University Spartans in third and hosting the playoffs.

The Dinos have plenty of chances to clinch their playoff spot. They have a rematch with the Vikes Thu., Oct. 27, a game at the Spartans Sat., Oct. 29 and match at the Thunderbirds Sun., Oct. 30. The Vikes host the Pronghorns Sun., Oct. 30. With all these matches, one could only begin to imagine how many ways either team can secure a playoff spot. Hopefully, the Dinos go in with everything they’ve got.