Box Score VANCOUVER – The Mount Royal Cougars scored two second half goals to get past the Saskatchewan Huskies 3-1 in the bronze medal game at the Canada West men's soccer Final Four Saturday afternoon at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium.
 
Just minutes into the second half Mt. Royal would score the go-ahead marker, and eventual game winner the result of a free kick from 28 yards out on the right wing that Dawid Dudek sent back post. It gave the Huskies trouble as evidenced by a collision between goalkeeper Marcus Baxter and Jacob Powell that sent the ball skyward into the goal mouth where Cougars defenceman Daniel Harrison watched it fall while guiding it in easily with his chest from 2 yards out and a 2-1 Mt. Royal advantage in minute 57.
 
"The bronze medal game is obviously a tough one to play because for us there was a lot of emotions the night after a big game like we had against our cross-town rival Calgary," said Cougars head coach Ryan Gyaki. "Today was also challenging as Saskatchewan was on a good run so overall I'm happy. I thought the effort was immense from both teams, but overall, I'm happy and it's nice to leave with a medal which is a big step. Disappointed not to take the banner home but we're proud to take the bronze home."
 
There was feeling from the start between both squads not wanting to leave the final four without any hardware while also knowing both teams 2019 season would come to an end at the final whistle. After carrying most of the early possession the Huskies we're able to capitalize with the opening goal 15 minutes into the match. Midfielder Jacob Powell sent a lofty corner kick into the box which Cougars goalkeeper Kerr Sterling attempted to grab in traffic but spilled at the six-yard line where Mason Ogoke pounced on the loose ball and easily tucked home for the 1-0 lead.
 
As the first half progressed Mt. Royal found their legs and more threatening forays forward which led to a response just ahead of halftime and like the opening marker this one too came off a set piece. Cougars forward David Schaefer sent in a beautifully delivered left footed in swinging corner kick that was headed home by an unmarked Mohamed El Gandour three-yards out at the back post to even it up 1-1 in the 41^st minute.
 
The Cougars came out for the second half the way they left off in the first in creating chances, beginning in the 47^th minute with El Gandour finding himself in prime scoring area 10 yards out for a spin and shot that was blocked by a collapsing Huskies defence.
 
10 minutes later it was Harrison scoring the game winner and to seal the bronze medal for the Cougars, with the Huskies pressing for the tying goal late it was Dudek scoring on the counter attack in the 93^rd minute on a shot from 14 yards out securing the 3-1 decision for Mt. Royal.

Photo credit: Bob Frid UBC Thunderbirds
 
Recap: Stu Walters, UBC Communications