SASKATOON, Sask. — The Saskatchewan Huskies controlled much of the play Saturday afternoon (Sept. 19) at Griffiths Stadium, but a lone second-half goal proved the difference as the Calgary Dinos escaped with a 1-0 victory in a battle between two U SPORTS Top-10 ranked teams.
The No. 9-ranked Huskies came out flying on home turf, applying pressure early and earning three corner kicks in the opening six minutes.
Cheyenne Lehmann was a constant threat with her service into the box, helping Saskatchewan establish possession and territorial advantage from the outset.
Saskatchewan generated early scoring chances early in the opening half. In the 13th minute,
Jenna Steacy forced Cheridan Johnson into a save, and the Huskies continued to push forward through the final stages of the half. Attempts from
Isabelle Lachance and
Julie Randall narrowly missed the target as the two teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
The Huskies held a 4-2 edge in shots and a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks through the opening 45 minutes, limiting Calgary side that entered the match unbeaten at 4-0-0 and ranked fifth in the nation.
The visitors found the breakthrough less than 10 minutes into the second half. In the 55th minute, Sofia DiGiacomo capitalized on Calgary's lone shot on target of the afternoon, scoring what stood as the game winner and giving the Dinos a 1-0 lead.
Despite falling behind, the Huskies continued searching for an equalizer. Saskatchewan pressed forward late, with Lachance firing another attempt wide in the 73rd minute while the back line continued to keep Calgary's opportunities to a minimum.
In the end, the Huskies were left to rue missed opportunities. Saskatchewan matched Calgary with five shots overall, earned five corner kicks to the visitors' two, and spent long stretches dictating play. However, the Dinos made the most of their lone shot on target while the Huskies were unable to solve Johnson, who recorded the clean sheet.
The result drops Saskatchewan to 3-1-1 on the season, while unbeaten Calgary improves to 5-0.
Saskatchewan now turns their attention to the Mount Royal Cougars who are set to visit Grifiths tomorrow afternoon (Sept. 20) for a 12:00 PM match.
