Lethbridge – Just as it looked like the Lethbridge Pronghorns and UNBC Timberwolves would have to settle for a 1-1 draw, a late goal from a free kick just outside the ‘Horns penalty area vaulted the Timberwolves to a 2-1 victory.

Tofa Fakunle scored the deciding goal just shy of full time with Brett Bobier scoring the other Timberwolves goal. Domenic Rigaux scored the lone Pronghorn goal.

With the loss, the ‘Horns fall to 2-8-1 on the season and the loss all but eliminates them from post-season contention. With only four games remaining in the Canada West season, the ‘Horns trail the Calgary Dinos for the third and final playoff spot. The Dinos host the Timberwolves and with a Dino win, the ‘Horns would be officially eliminated from the playoff picture.

The win improves the Timberwolves to 2-5-2 on the season.

A defensive breakdown by the ‘Horns lead to the game’s opening goal as Alan Zhao found Bobier all alone deep in the ‘Horns penalty area and he made no mistake, sliding it past ‘Horns keeper Tyler Boast only seven minutes into the contest.

Attempting to respond after going down a goal, the ‘Horns had consecutive quality scoring chances but were denied an equalizer. A free kick in the box after a pass back to the Timberwolves keeper was called but didn’t make it past the Timberwolves wall and Rigaux blasted another shot off the crossbar.

Shlomo Swan-Azman was taken down in the area following a good run, setting up Gui Costa from the penalty spot, but Tyrone Venhola made a spectacular diving stop. Venhola was not able to control the rebound and Rigaux jumped all over the rebound to knot the score at one.

Costa and Swan-Azman connected again, nearly giving the ‘Horns the lead but Swan-Azman’s drive was turned aside by Venhola.

Jake Vickers came within a crossbar of restoring the Timberwolves lead, late in the opening half, off of their own set piece.

Despite outshooting the Timberwolves 9-4 in the second half, the ‘Horns were unable to find that much needed go ahead marker. Costa and Conner Brady chances were turned away by Venhola, setting up Fakunle’s heroics in the dying moment.

A foul called just outside the corner set up Fakunle up and he curled the shot around the ‘Horns wall and into the short side corner.

Today’s game was the ‘Horns only contest this weekend and next weekend the team will head out on the road, traveling to face the Victoria Vikes and Fraser Valley Cascades. The Timberwolves travel to Calgary to face the Dinos tomorrow afternoon.