Men's Soccer Weekend Recap | October 14 - 15
The Rustlers Men's soccer team dropped two matches at home over the weekend to the Lethbridge Kodiaks and the Medicine Hat Rattlers.
On Saturday, the Lethbridge Kodiaks defeated the Rustlers 4-1 on what was a cool, windy afternoon. Both teams showed physical play with multiple scoring opportunities early in the game. Lethbridge was able to capitalize on their chances first and take a 1-0 lead on a goal from #7 Wilson Ntignee in the 22nd minute.
The Kodiaks doubled their lead later in the half on another goal by Ntignee in the 41st minute. The Rustlers found themselves down 2-0 at the half. In the second half, the Kodiaks opened the scoring with a goal by #13 Emmanuel Pasquotti in the 58th minute followed by #21 Eric Porter adding another goal for the Kodiaks in the 74th minutes, making it 4-0.
The Rustlers were able to get onto the scoreboard in the 80th minute on a goal by #19 Mackenzie Longpre. Both Josh Hatzenbuuhler and Zach Wagner saw time in goal for the Rustlers and combined to make 13 saves.
Player of the game for the Rustlers was #17, Troy Trench.
The Medicine Hat Rattlers defeated the Lakeland Rustlers 4-1 Sunday afternoon. Medicine Hat opened the scoring in the 12th minute when #7 Albert Woodroffe-Brown was able to find the back of the next following a misplay by the Rustlers goalkeeper. Woodroffe-Brown found the back of the net again just minutes later, giving his team a 2-0 lead in the 15th minute.
Woodroffe-Brown almost had his third goal of the half but was called back for offside. Just minutes later the Rattlers had another goal called back from offside, this time by #11 Forkpa Sumo. Lakeland had several good scoring chances late in the half but were unable to capitalize and score.
At the half, Medicine Hat led 2-0. Josh Hatzenbuuhler was replaced in goal at the half by Zach Wagner for the Rustlers. The goalkeeper switch wouldn't stop Woodroffe-Brown from scoring, as he would score his third goal of the game in the 53rd minute. The play was physical on both sides of the ball in the second half, and neither team could score despite having good opportunities.
Rattlers #15 Colton Pacheco scored in the 78th minute, making the lead 4-0. The Rustlers were finally able to score on a goal by #33 Elijah Jennings in the 85th minute, making the score 4-1. Josh Hatzenbuuhler and Zach Wagner once again both saw time in goal for the Rustlers and combined to make seven saves.
Player of the Game for the Rustlers was #18 Evron Riggon.
Rustlers Head Coach Kevin Wagner said it is now just about finishing the season.
"We only have one sub now because of injuries," Wagner said. "They are good guys, they help out, and we get along, we just don't have many options. Their attitude has been good which I am happy with, and they are sticking to what we are trying to do. I have been disappointed with our results, but I haven't been surprised by them. We haven't been close, but we haven't been blown out either."
The Rustlers will play their final game of the season next Saturday at 4: pm versus the Red Deer Kings.