Despite loss, Horns men’s soccer team shows promise

By Dale Woodard on September 21, 2021.

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s soccer team lost a close one in their Canada West season opener.

But in the eyes of Pronghorns head coach Randy Bardock, his team’s mental game goes right into the win column.

The Pronghorns were edged 1-0 by the Mount Royal University Cougars in Canada West action Saturday afternoon at the University of Lethbridge Stadium.

A goal by Mount Royal’s David Schaefer in the 30th minute was enough to pace the visitors to the win on a blustery afternoon, but Bardock tipped his hat to his team’s mental fortitude.

“I loved our attitude and I loved our effort all across the field,” he said.

“We were first, second and third to so many balls. It was awesome to see and from that we had some great chances in the first half. We were a little bit scattered in the second half, but I still loved what we did defensively. We really limited them to one chance and Nolan (French) made a big save near the end. We had a chance to get some points and I wish we would have gotten something out of it.”

The Cougars outshot the Pronghorns 8-6 as Lethbridge’s Alasdair Coyle put four shots on goal and Karim Bey added two.

“I think it’s very hopeful and good for us,” said Bey, a first-year midfielder from Calgary.

“I think these guys (Cougars) are supposed to be the best team in the league, so to lose 1-0 isn’t bad at all. A couple of calls didn’t go our way, but I think I’m pretty proud of the boys and I thought we played really well.”

French made seven saves in the loss.

“We want to compete from the minute it starts to the minute it ends, but I thought the guys did a great job of showing that,” said Bardock.

“We were a little unlucky. We had chances, we just have to be a little bit better.”

The Pronghorns hit the road to Saskatoon this weekend for a two-game set against the Huskies Friday and Saturday.

They return home Oct. 2 and 3 when they host the University of Calgary Dinos at the U of L Stadium. Game time is 2:15 p.m. both days.

Follow @@DWoodardHerald on Twitter

Comments are closed.