Box Score Edmonton, ALTA — In a gritty showdown at Foote Field, the Mount Royal Cougars edged out the Alberta Golden Bears 1-0 in the Canada West semifinals. The game remained scoreless until the 89th minute when midfielder
Jonathan Walter seized a moment of brilliance, delivering a late, free-kick goal that proved to be the game-winner.
The first half saw both teams cautiously feeling each other out, leading to limited scoring opportunities. Mount Royal managed three shots in the opening half, while Alberta registered two.
Despite the limited offense, the Cougars came close to breaking the deadlock when
Jonathan Walter's shot struck the post in the 13th minute, signaling their intent early. Alberta's defense stayed vigilant, especially goalkeeper Liam Collens, who made crucial saves to keep the Cougars at bay. Midfielder
Josh Flaksman had a notable attempt for Mount Royal around the 26-minute mark, but his shot was saved by Collens, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.
As the second half kicked off, the intensity rose, with both teams pushing to control the tempo. Mount Royal increased their shot count, firing off five shots in the second half compared to Alberta's five attempts. Both teams exchanged opportunities, but the goalkeepers proved equally up to the challenge.
Sjard Strauss was a brick wall in the net making four saves in the match, and standing tall against the Golden Bears' advancing attacks. Alberta's Caden Ruby had an early chance in the second half, only for Strauss to deny him with a timely save. Later, Marcus Velado-Tsegaye attempted to break through Mount Royal's defense, but Strauss once again answered with a save to preserve the tie.
The game's physicality escalated in the second half, with fouls stacking up on both sides. Alberta, eager to establish their dominance, accumulated 14 fouls over the match, with ten in the second half alone.
Mount Royal was not far behind, ending with six fouls. The referees issued three yellow cards in the game, adding to the already tense atmosphere. Alberta's Patrick Kondraciuk received a yellow in the 77th minute, while Mount Royal's
Abel Nesibu and
Hyunsoo Ryu were also cautioned earlier in the match.
The Cougars' persistence finally paid off in the 89th minute when
Jonathan Walter found a pocket of space in a crowded box and struck a shot that eluded Collens, finding the back of the net. The dramatic, late goal sparked celebrations from Mount Royal as they secured the narrow lead with just minutes left on the clock.
Alberta made one last push, with Velado-Tsegaye attempting a shot in the final minute, but Strauss came up with a clutch save to seal the victory.
The Cougars' tenacity and Strauss's steady performance in goal proved to be the difference-makers, helping Mount Royal secure a hard-fought 1-0 win on the road.
The Cougars will return to the Canada West championship in a rematch of last year's final, taking on the UBC Thunderbirds this time in Vancouver. The match will take place next Friday, Nov. 1st at 8 PM MT.
