Box Score EDMONTON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies survived a late-push by the MacEwan University Griffins Saturday in Edmonton to win 2-1 in Canada West men's soccer action.
After Saskatchewan's Tyler Redl blasted a shot from 30 yards out that found the top right corner past diving MacEwan keeper Dory Elliott in the 52nd minute to put the Huskies up 2-0, it seemed like the result was a foregone conclusion.
But Griffins' rookie Christian Kosmin hustled onto a loose ball at the side of the net 82nd minute and put a sharp-angle shot in off Huskies goalkeeper Patrick Pranger.
Ignited by the chance to pull off a draw, the Griffins dominated late possession and had multiple chances to tie it. All they had to show this time, though, was a handful of near-misses, including Lahai Mansaray's header over the bar off a great cross from Kosmin in extra time.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 3-0 in the young season, while MacEwan drops to 1-2.
In the 21st-minute, they were rewarded for a ton of early pressure when Sam Whiting's cross bent dangerously through the box, past the intended attacker and lunging Elliott. Waiting on the other side was a wide-open Bryce Marinus, who planted a one-timer in the back of the cage.
The Huskies put the ball in the net later in the first half – a header off a free-kick cross – but the play was called offside, so they settled for a 1-0 lead after 45 minutes. It was a score that flattered a flat Griffins side that looked shy in the limelight of their home opener.
Saskatchewan will meet the Alberta Golden Bears Sunday, while the Griffins host the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
