SASKATOON - Justin George's penalty kick goal in the 34th minute stood as the game winner, as the U SPORTS #8 ranked Golden Bears improved to 3-0-1 with a 1-0 win over the Saskatchewan Huskies. 

Bears keeper Trystan Read made an outstanding save on a Huskies penalty attempt in the 84th minute, one of four saves for the sophomore, who earned his second clean sheet of the season. 

The Huskies came out on the front foot and controlled much of the opening 15 minutes, spending extended stretches in Alberta's half and dictating possession. Saskatchewan's pressure led to several early set pieces, including three first-half corner kicks, but Read was equal to the opportunities that found the target.

Despite Saskatchewan carrying much of the play, Alberta capitalized on one of its few dangerous attacking moments. In the 34th minute, Huskies a defender was whistled for a foul inside the penalty area, setting up a penalty kick for the visitors. George stepped up and converted from the spot to give Alberta a 1-0 lead, a goal that ultimately stood as the winner.

The Huskies pushed hard for an equalizer after the break and created their best chances of the afternoon early in the second half. Forward Tao Hein was at the center of both opportunities. On the first, Saskatchewan worked the ball into a promising position, but after an extra pass the resulting shot sailed over the goal. Moments later, Hein found himself with an open net at the back post, only to see his effort strike the woodwork as the Huskies came agonizingly close to leveling the match.

The pressure continued to build as the clock continued to near the 90th minute. Midfielder Ethan Cabral sent a free kick from roughly 30 yards out just over the frame, and shortly afterward Saskatchewan produced an impressive sequence of quick passing that ended in the net, only to have the play wiped out by an offside call. The Huskies finished with eight shots, double Alberta's total of four, and forced Read to make four saves.

Saskatchewan's best chance arrived in the 84th minute when forward Ty Lee drew a foul inside the penalty area. Cabral, who had previously converted all four of his career penalty kick attempts, stepped up looking for the equalizer. Read guessed correctly however and made the save, preserving Alberta's lead. The Golden Bears goalkeeper finished with a four-save clean sheet.

The Huskies continued to push until the final whistle. In the 89th minute, Cabral found space for one last opportunity but lifted his shot just over the crossbar. 

The Bears will visit Lethbridge and Calgary next weekend.