Box Score CAPE BRETON, NS - The Cougars played an incredibly controlled and hard fought match against the Cape Breton Capers but fell short in the 72nd minute when CBU scored the lone goal, leading to MRU's 0-1 loss.
Box Score
Despite the loss, MRU dominated and held the pressure for the majority of the game. Canada West All-Rookie keeper,
Aidan Dumoulin, had a standout performance, particularly when CBU's star player, Owen Sheppard, attempted to take an early lead in the 35th minute, but Dumoulin made a breathtaking save, launching himself to stop the shot sniped towards the bottom center of the net.
Notable players of the match also included
Jonathan Walter,
Josh Flaksman, and team captain,
Caden Rogozinski. Walter was named the U SPORTS Nike Team Player of the Game after being recognized for his ability to play on the front foot and connect the Cougars' defense and offense throughout the entire match. Flaksman played an outstanding performance in both creating chaos and setting up plays in the offensive zone. Rogozinski lived up to his title of Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, after being a bold force in intercepting multiple Cape Breton attacks.
Benedikt Mehl and
Alex Kemsley also created excellent scoring opportunities in the second half, both in the 77th and 86th minute but were blocked by CBU's tough defensive line. Mount Royal outshot Cape Breton 16-4, but unfortunately could not convert those scoring attempts into goals.
After reflecting on the game, Head Coach,
Ryan Gyaki commented, "It was a well fought game and it comes down to one moment. We thought Cape Breton played an amazing game and we're so proud of our guys for what they've achieved so far this year. It was a tough loss today, we learned some lessons, but we'll be back and ready for the bronze medal match on Sunday."
Be sure to tune in to CBC.ca, Sunday at 8 a.m. MST, when MRU takes on the UBC Thunderbirds in the U SPORTS Nationals bronze medal match. These two teams are no strangers to seeing one another in the finals as MRU won gold over UBC in the Canada West Championship last week.
For full schedule details visit USPORTS.ca
U SPORTS x Nike Team Player of the Game:
Jonathan Walter
