Three-goal first half leads Trojans past Kodiaks
CALGARY, ALTA., (Sept. 30, 2018) — The first time around, last minute heroics were needed. This time, things were a little different.
The SAIT Trojans men's soccer team dominated possession of the ball for the majority of the game en route to a one-sided 5-1 decision over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks in their Sunday afternoon Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) contest played at Cohos Commons Field.
The first time these teams met, the Trojans got a pair of headers from Brad Atherton (1st year, Calgary, Business Administration) late to come from behind and win 3-2. Fast forward to today were in the driver's seat at half with a 3-0 lead.
"We're mid-season, so we are a little more confident in our style of play," said Trojans veteran midfielder, Jake Walmsley (5th year, Cranbrook, BC, Bachelor of Business Administration). "We made them play our game, as opposed to dropping down to their level, and it really showed."
SAIT's victory gives them a perfect 7-0 record, while the Kodiaks fall to 3-3-1.
Heading into the contest, the Kodiaks had allowed just nine goals in six games, averaging just 1.5 goals against per game.
By the time 45 minutes was in the books on Sunday, the Trojans had already scored three, courtesy Johnny Hutchinson (2nd year, Ottawa, Ont., Graphic Communications and Print Technology), Martin Bertolesi (1st year, Calgary, Business Administration) and Dean Northover (3rd year, Calgary, Graphic Communications and Print Technology.
"In the first four games of the season, we only scored one goal in the opening half of our games. In the past few, we have come out flying and today was no different," Walmsley added. "Scoring those early goals has gone a long way in calming us down, which is huge."
After the break, the Kodiaks got one back when Wilson Ntignee was left wide open in front of the net for an easy tap in off a pass from teammate Jimmy Bukuru.
SAIT restored the three-goal cushion when Armando Garcia (2nd year, Edmonton, Alta., Graphic Communications and Print Technology) sailed a shot from distance into the top right corner of the net.
Northover poured salt on the wound with his second of the game, and sixth of the season, in the 84th minute to cement the victory.
In five years of ACAC soccer, Walmsley has seen a lot, but this week will present something new, as his Trojans will play a Wednesday night game against the new-to-the-league Ambrose University Lions. Game time is set for 8pm, and despite the short rest, he's looking forward to it.
"I've never played a mid-week game, and I'm excited. It's a Calgary Darby," he laughed. "Under the lights and in the middle of the week – I'm eager to see what it's all about. We've got a few knocks, but I'm sure everyone will be ready to go. It's going to be a fun game to play in."