SASKATOON, Sask. — The Saskatchewan Huskies picked up their second victory over a nationally ranked opponent this season on Friday afternoon (Oct. 16), edging the No. 9-ranked Mount Royal Cougars 1-0 at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The win moves the Huskies to 5-6-0 on the season and keeps the program's playoff hopes alive and well as the Dogs trail Alberta for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Canada West Prairie Division. Meanwhile the loss drops Mount Royal to 6-4-2.
In a tightly contested Canada West matchup, the Huskies made the most of their opportunities and received a standout performance from goalkeeper
Jaron Slopinski, who preserved the clean sheet with six saves, including a dramatic penalty-kick stop in the closing minutes. The result marked Slopinski's second shutout of the season following a program record-setting clean sheet in the second match of the campaign.
The game's lone goal came in the 27th minute when rookie forward
Tatenda Shaun Musonza broke through for the first goal of his Canada West career. Midfielder
Dante Molina delivered the setup to the box, and Musonza capitalized with a header to give Saskatchewan a 1-0 lead at the 26:13 mark of the opening half. The goal stood as the difference in the match, providing the Huskies with an early advantage they would never surrender.
Saskatchewan generated seven shots in the contest, putting three on target, while Mount Royal held a 10-7 advantage in overall attempts and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. The Cougars pushed forward consistently, especially in the second half, earning five corner kicks after halftime and creating several dangerous chances around the Huskie net.
Slopinski proved equal to every challenge. The Huskies netminder turned aside first-half efforts from Skyler Rogers, Finn Marshall, and Jaxon Marchant before continuing his strong play after the break. His biggest moment came in the 89th minute when Mount Royal was awarded a penalty kick with a chance to level the score. Jonathan Walter stepped up for the Cougars, but Slopinski came through with a crucial save to maintain Saskatchewan's lead and preserve the clean sheet.
The Huskies nearly doubled their advantage on several occasions, with chances from
Tomiwa Olumide,
Tao Hein, and
Ethan Cabral, but the single goal from Musonza ultimately proved enough.
As Mount Royal pressed for an equalizer in the dying moments, Saskatchewan's back line held firm and successfully navigated a barrage of late pressure to secure the victory.
Saskatchewan returns to Griffiths Sunday for the team's final home game of the 2026 season where they will take on the Calgary Dinos. Kick off is set for 2:30 PM.
