Tough red card costs Griffins in season opener loss to Dinos
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
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1 | 0 | 1 |
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1 | 3 | 4 |
Team Stats
Calgary
| Game Statistics | MacEwan University | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 5 (3) | 16 (6) |
| Saves | 2 | 2 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 3 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
CALGARY – Forced to play a man short for the final 30 minutes and change after T-boy Fayia was assessed two yellows (and a subsequent red card) within a span of four minutes, the MacEwan Griffins fell to a 4-1 defeat against the Calgary Dinos in their season opener on Saturday.
Dinos veteran Owen Antoniuk scored all four of Calgary's goals, including the game-winner in the 56th minute on a penalty kick after Fayia fouled him in the box and received his first yellow.
The second card for the MacEwan defender came just under four minutes later and resulted in his ejection from the contest.
It was a tough break for the Griffins and ultimately decided their fate.
"I guess (the official) thought both were warranted for a yellow card and that's the game," said Griffins head coach Adam Loga. "When you're down one goal and you're also down to 10 men trying to chase, things are going to open up a little bit.
"Up until that little bit of misfortune, it was pretty even."
Indeed, MacEwan was right with Calgary for the early portion of the game, tied 1-1 at the half after a brilliant slash and strike from rookie Macky Mahfouz evened the score in the 33rd minute.
After a solid buildup, Ali Yildiz fed the electric striker just outside the box and he torched a defender before blasting off the far side post and in.
GOAL!!!!
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Soccer (@GriffinsMSOC) August 23, 2025
Brilliance from rookie Macky Mahfouz!@MacEwanGriffins are on the board in the 33rd minute for their first goal of the new @CanadaWest season.
1-1 with @UCDinos at the half.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/SKiEuaPHO3
"He's a goal scorer, so he finds his chances," said Loga of the BTB Academy product. "He can make something out of nothing. He proved his worth, if you will, today. He played very well."
Rookie Azar El Khallaa also stood out, logging a full 90 in midfield in his debut.
"I thought the boys stayed together well in a situation that was pretty adverse," said Loga. "They endured it well and chose the maturity and experience from the returning players and also two huge performances from first years Azar and Macky. It's great to have two first-year players at that level to be able to step in."
The Griffins will look to rebound in their second game of the Calgary road trip when they visit Mount Royal on Sunday (4 p.m., Canada West TV).
"Of course, the best is yet to come," said Loga in assessing the season opener. "We'll continue with this group. They're keen and willing to learn. We just know we will be better each week, game in and game out."
