It's a Cougars Comeback! MRU advances to semis

CALGARY, AB - The Mount Royal Cougars are headed back to the Canada West semifinals after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over the Trinity Western Spartans on Friday afternoon.

Playing under clear skies at MRU Field #2, the Cougars fell behind early but stormed back with two second-half goals to punch their ticket to Sunday’s semifinal.

Trinity Western’s Emmanuel Dan-Adokiene opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, beating Mount Royal keeper Sjard Strauss low to his right. It was a fitting moment for the Calgary-born Spartan, who gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage that held through halftime.

The Cougars fought back after the break, generating sustained pressure and finally breaking through in the 71st minute. Forward Chanan Chanda was fouled in the box, then calmly converted the ensuing penalty kick to tie the match at one.

Mount Royal continued to press, and the breakthrough came late. In the 87th minute, Joe Green sent a pinpoint cross into the area, where Clement Guay rose to meet it and headed home the winning goal to ignite the home crowd.

Strauss made several key saves down the stretch to preserve the lead as the Cougars fended off a late Trinity Western push.

With the victory, Mount Royal advances to its seventh consecutive Canada West semifinal.

“I think mainly just resting up, feeling light and bright,” said MRU head coach Ryan Gyaki post-match. “We’ll come with energy on a semifinal, which is always exciting.”