The Trinity Western Spartans improbable run to a post-season berth came to an end on Saturday in Calgary.
Needing to win both of their remaining two Canada West games, the men’s soccer team surrendered the tying goal in the 86th minute and finished in a 1-1 draw with the Calgary Dinos.
The Spartans were trying to overcome a 1-6-1 start to the season as they suffered a rash of injuries. But the team had rebounded to go 3-0-1 in their next four to give themselves a shot.
“I’m gutted for the boys, but I thought we played well enough to win,” said coach Pat Rohla.
“I think, on the day, we created enough opportunities to win, but we just didn’t win.
“The unfortunate thing is that our season gets decided on a dubious penalty kick.
“But those are the cards we were dealt and I really believe we have brighter days ahead.”
Jerome Lou had opened the scoring in the ninth minute and that was the game’s only goal until the 86th minute when the Spartans were whistled for a hand ball in the box.
Rohla said it appeared the ball had glanced off the chest of Taylor Johnson.
And Izak made no mistake, burying his shot past Andrew Hicks.
The single point qualified the Dinos for the postseason.
The Spartans final game on Sunday in Lethbridge was cancelled due to heavy snow.
Trinity Western finished the season with a record of 4-6-3.
