It’s difficult to say what was more frustrating, watching the FOX network trying to cover baseball last weekend or watching the Dinos women’s soccer squad trying to score a goal. Much to the chagrin of their fans, the maligned Calgary attack looked more confused than Forrest Gump at a spelling bee. The Dinos managed only two goals on the weekend and even though they earned a win and a tie, their performance showed this team has a serious weakness.
"Bottom line is, we have to put the round ball in the rectangular goal," said Dinos Head Coach Robin Slot. "We’re creating a lot of chances but we’re not scoring."
Calgary’s first goal came on a brilliant strike by fullback Zoe Addington in the dying seconds of the Dinos’ 1-0 victory against Trinity Western University. After a frustrating battle with TWU keeper Christy Bentall, Addington blasted an improbable shot from 25 yards in the 89th minute to give the Dinos a win.
"We finally got a goal we deserved," Slot remarked. "She hit that extremely well."
Addington’s strike saved the Dinos from tying a game they deserved to win, but they would not be so lucky the next day when basement-dwelling Lethbridge fought out a 1-1 draw.
"We don’t like Lethbridge," said Dinos midfielder Jessie Norrie. "For our last game, it was a very disappointing way to end the home season. Lethbridge really came up to play us."
Midfielder Katie Lee notched a goal to put the Dinos on top but a defensive lapse allowed the Pronghorns to tie the game. Despite their best efforts, Calgary was unable to equalize.
"We have to stop thinking about it," said Norrie of the Dinos offensive problems. "Hopefully those opportunities will go our way when it counts. We’ve created a lot of pressure for ourselves."
"Once you get in a rut, it’s a mental thing," added Slot. "At least things are still in our hands."
The Dinos close out their season with a trip to the coast to face TWU, the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. All four teams are in a dogfight for the three remaining playoff spots and Calgary must earn at least a win and a tie to guarantee themselves a spot at the Canada West Tournament in Edmonton Nov. 2 and 3. The biggest strength for the Dinos seems to be their defensive play. To this point the Dinos have allowed multiple goals in only one game this season.
"We have a very strong defensive line and when we stay composed and work our way through the back we’re very effective," said midfielder Laura Stinson.
"All of them are really rough girls and it’s scary when you turn and you have four girls ready to annihilate you," added Norrie.
G-G-G-Goal Notes:
This was the last home game for Stinson, Norrie and Leanne Pelosi who are all in their final year of eligibility. The trio were honoured before the Lethbridge game.
"I was crying," said Norrie. "I bawled and I made Laura cry."
"I wasn’t crying," replied a defensive Stinson. "I was laughing so hard at Jessie."
Did somebody say new announcer? Not only did the new guy sound like he cared, he also played Mr. Vain by Culture Beat.
Dinos forward Sarah Dunlop earned the nickname "Slaughterhouse" when she ran over Trinity Western’s keeper twice during Saturday’s match. Come on everyone, lets make this one stick.
Things are looking up for Dinos midfielder Matt Houston. Not only is Houston the heart of the Dinos, his men’s soccer squad is in the midst of a six game winning streak and his fan club is growing.
"The lady Dinos love Matt Houston," enthused Norrie and Stinson. Must be his white shoes.