Men's Soccer Weekend Preview | September 8, 2017
The Rustlers Men's Soccer team is set to take to the pitch versus Medicine Hat and Lethbridge this weekend to start the 2017 ACAC soccer season. Gone from last year's team are 8 starters, which means the team will have to rely on returning starters Troy Trench, Elijah Jennings and Evron Riggon. "We need these players to score goals" Head Coach Kevin Wagner said, "if they aren't scoring goals, most likely no one is scoring goals." The Rustlers are also currently without last years starting goalkeeper, James Booth, who is out with a broken foot, leaving last year's backup Zach Wagner and new goalkeeper Josh to battle it out for the starting position.
"In the last 5 years on the men's side, we have been one of the top 4 programs in Alberta" Wagner said, "going into a season when you lose 8 starters from last year you know there is going to be a drop, but you are hoping that players coming in buy in." The team has some experience and ability, but is lacking depth, as players are being trained at new positions. While the players are taking to the new positions fairly well, there has been a lack of urgency to win now or players pushing one another.
Going into the weekend, Wagner realizes how important it is for the team to get points for standings. "If we get zero, we are in trouble" Wagner said. The men's team has a chance to get into playoffs Wagner believes, but need to get off to a good start this weekend as the season is a short one.