Last week, missed field goals were the difference for the Saskatchewan Roughriders 27-24 loss to the Montreal Alouettes.
On Thursday, a missed field goal attempt from 40 yards by Toronto Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullhau sailed wide left just as time expired in regulation, but with the ball flying through the endzone, the single point rouge was all the Argos needed, as Toronto (6-4) edged out Saskatchewan (5-5-1) 20-19.
The Roughriders offence started off strong with ten points in the first quarter, including a 13-yard touchdown catch by Keesean Johnson, but the green and white were unable to generate much offence in the final three quarters.
Quarterback Trevor Harris was 18 for 29 with 190 passing yards with a touchdown along with two interceptions.
In his return from a nine-game suspension, Chad Kelly was 24 for 39 with 322 passing yards and an interception.
Saskatchewan’s defence held their ground with three goal line stands along with a stop as the Argos gambled on a third down attempt deep in Saskatchewan territory.
The Argonauts tied the game with 1:04 remaining following a 50-yard field goal from Harjullhau. With under three minutes remaining, the Roughriders were forced to take a kickoff return, instead of opening their possession at their own 40-yard line.
Following a holding penalty on the kickoff return, Saskatchewan was pinned back on their eight-yard line. A sack on first down left the Roughriders at their one-yard line. An incomplete pass on second down gave the Argos the ball inside of field goal range.
Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther rebounded from a tough game against Montreal where he missed four field goal attempts. On Thursday, Lauther was perfect, connecting on all four field goal attempts.
QB Cameron Dukes scored the lone touchdown for Toronto with a one-yard touchdown run.
Roughriders running back Frankie Hickson had 79 rushing yards.
Toronto’s Damonte Coxie led all receivers with 112 receiving yards with five catches.
The loss extends Saskatchewan’s winless skid to five games (0-4-1). Heading into the weekend’s action, the Roughriders hold a slim one-point advantage over the BC Lions (5-5). On Sunday, the Lions will meet the Ottawa Redblacks (6-2-1).
The green and white will meet six divisional opponents in their final seven games, beginning with their two-game set against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-6), kicking off with the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, September 1.