Futsal Teams Compete in First Qualifier
The start of the 2022 ACAC Futsal season saw the Rustlers head to Lac La Biche on Saturday, February 5th to compete in the first of two qualifying tournaments.
The women started the day off against the Portage College Voyageurs. For every member of the team, this was the first time they competed in an official ACAC competition. The women scored early and often with Haylee Rogers and Madeline Russet leading the way with 5 and 3 goals respectively on their way to a 16 – 0 victory. Megan Hockley was named Player of the game for her efforts.
A little later in the day, the Rustlers competed against the Keyano Huskies. The game was extremely competitive with both teams creating numerous opportunities to score but in the end, the Huskies were able to capitalize when it counted and the game ended in a 3 – 0 victory for the Huskies. Shallan French played a solid game in net for the Rustlers and was rewarded with the Player of the Game for her efforts.
The women will need to have a strong second qualifying tournament to finish first in the NE pool. With the caliber of student-athletes on the Rustlers squad, it will be possible for the women to earn a berth in the ACAC Championships at the end of March.
The men's team started the day off against the Portage Voyageurs in what could only be stated as a defensive battle on both sides. All the players on the men's squad contributed over the weekend earning minutes in both games. Game one several players step up in the game including keeper Kyle Rusnak who only gave up two goals. Unfortunately for the Rustlers, two goals were all the Voyageurs required defeating the Rustlers in a low-scoring affair 2 – 1. Kyle Rusnak was awarded Player of the Game for his efforts.
Game two against the Keyano Huskies was another low-scoring game that saw some great defense by the entire Rustler team and again, some timely saves. A late goal by the Rustlers proved to be the difference-maker as the Rustlers eeked out a 1 – 0 victory.
Playing in two low-scoring competitions means that the Rustlers will be going into the second qualifying regional on February 19th with their destiny of reaching the ACAC Conference Championships in their own hands. If the team can apply a little more pressure on the offensive side they will have a good chance of playing at home for gold at the end of March when Lakeland hosts the championships.