Rustlers take on the South
The Lakeland Rustlers Men's Soccer team was on the road this past weekend, taking on the Ambrose Lions and Red Deer Kings.
Saturday, the Rustlers were in Calgary to take on the Ambrose Lions. The Rustlers had their chance to take the lead early, with a shot on goal by third year fullback Troy Trench, but the Lions keeper came up with a big save. On the other end of the field, Rustlers keeper Zach Wagner tipped an early shot by the Lions over the crossbar, to keep the score tied at 0. The Lions were the first team to capitalize on their scoring chances, taking a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
The Rustlers had scoring chances early in the second half, again led by Trench, but were unable to score. The physicality of play increased as the game went, with members of both teams being given yellow cards. Trench was finally able to find the back of the net in the 86th minute, tying the score at 1. Neither team would score in the final minutes, nor the game ended with a 1-1 tie.
Player of the Game for the Rustlers was second year defender, #24 Mark Anderson.
On Sunday, the Rustlers were in Red Deer to take on the Kings. The Rustlers found themselves down early, as the Kings opened the scoring in the 6th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Rustlers would tie up the match in the 20th minute on a goal by Trench. The Kings regained the lead in the 60th minute before the Rustlers responded on a goal by fifth year midfielder Mackenzie Longpre in the 68th minute. Longpre would add another goal on a penalty shot in the 75th minute to give the Rustlers the 3-2 lead. The Rustlers tried to maintain the lead and get their first win of the season but instead had to settle for the tie, as the Kings tied the score in the 80th minute, and neither team scored again before time expired.
Player of the Game for the Rustlers was first year centreback, #33 Chase Cal.
With two ties on the weekend, the Rustlers earned two points and sit one point ahead of the Ambrose Lions in the standings.
The Rustlers return home next weekend in a rematch against the Red Deer Kings (4-1-2). Kick-off is at 4 pm at VLA field.