Men's soccer celebrate quarter final victory

General 10/28/2023 6:38:00 PM

MSOC: Cougars advance to Canada West semi-final

Box Score CALGARY, AB - In wintery Calgary conditions Mount Royal men's soccer advances to the Canada West playoffs semifinal following a 2-1 double overtime quarterfinal victory over Thompson Rivers.

Mount Royal entered the game after completing the regular season 11-2-1 and finishing in first place in the Canada West Prairie Division. In fourth place in the Canada West Pacific division Thompson Rivers had a 7-7-1 record this year. This was the first contest between the squads this season.

Both teams hit the pitch ready for action despite the elements and were quick to attack at both ends of the field. The Cougars offense advanced on the Wolfpack net early, but keeper Svyatik Artemenko stood tall with key saves. Thompson Rivers moved the ball up the pitch, but the Mount Royal defense and keeper Aidan Dumoulin did a great job minimizing their opportunities.

The first mark on the scoresheet went to MRU, when third-year forward Josh Flaksman got the ball on the left side at the 34 minute mark and smoothly placed it past Thompson Rivers defenders into the net. The remainder of the first half was scoreless and at the break the Cougars were in the lead 1-0.

Mount Royal came out flying to start the second half, applying consistent pressure to the Wolfpack. However, 11 minutes into the half Flaksman took a foul and Thompson Rivers earned a free kick from the far right side. A brilliantly placed ball into the box and a quick play by TRU allowed third-year midfielder Akwasi Agyekum to tie the game 1-1. The play continued at a stalemate with chances at either end of the field. Mount Royal made a final push to score in the last seconds with a corner kick, but it flew wide and Thompson Rivers defendenders did a great job clearing the ball quickly.

With regular time concluding in a tie, the contest headed into overtime. The first overtime saw both keepers make key saves at either end of the pitch. The Wolfpack had an exciting chance off a corner in the last seconds, however they were unsuccessful.

In the second overtime the tension increased as both teams became desperate for a goal. It was the home team who got the lucky bounce with minutes remaining on the clock, as Cougars midfielder Nikolas Myroniuk placed a corner kick into the box and teammate Miguel Da Rocha headed it into the net. The Wolfpack were aggressive on the ball for the remaining minutes, working hard to tie it back up, but in the end it was Mount Royal who took the game 2-1.

"It's disappointing to not see the way both teams can normally play due to the conditions," said Mount Royal Head Coach Ryan Gyaki. "The game turned into a 50-50 coin toss due to the conditions. I think it could have really gone either way and the ball happened to go ours this time.Happy to be still in it tomorrow, we gotta do it all again."

Mount Royal defender Caden Rogozinski was named the Player of the Game.

Mount Royal will advance to the semi-final tomorrow, Sunday, October 29, at 1 p.m. MT versus the University of Victoria Vikes who secured their spot with a 3-1 over Lethbridge earlier today. The game can be enjoyed in person at Mount Royal Stadium Field or live on Canada West TV.

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Players Mentioned

#27 Miguel Da Rocha: Midfield; 6' 2"; First Year

#7 Josh Flaksman: Forward; 5' 11"; Third Year

#5 Caden Rogozinski: Defence; 6' 2"; Third Year

#1 Aidan Dumoulin: Goalkeeper; 6' 0"; First Year

#8 Nikolas Myroniuk: Midfield; 5' 11"; First Year

Players Mentioned

#27 Miguel Da Rocha
: 6' 2"; First Year
: Midfield

#7 Josh Flaksman
: 5' 11"; Third Year
: Forward

#5 Caden Rogozinski
: 6' 2"; Third Year
: Defence

#1 Aidan Dumoulin
: 6' 0"; First Year
: Goalkeeper

#8 Nikolas Myroniuk
: 5' 11"; First Year
: Midfield