Huskies Repeat as Futsal Champions
In the heart of the Bold Center in Lac La Biche, Alberta, the stage was set for a clash of titans in the Men's Gold Medal Final of the college futsal tournament. Keyano and the Rattlers were ready to leave it all on the court, with the crowd roaring and anticipation crackling in the air even before the first whistle blew. Amongst the sea of fans, a dominant contingent of Husky supporters stood out, their enthusiasm igniting the arena with fervour.
Right from the kickoff, it was evident that this would be a game of skill and precision. Rattlers' #14 Joao Nascimento showcased his finesse, embarking on a full-court run, weaving through defenders with mesmerizing juggling, only to narrowly miss the target with his shot. Both teams displayed impeccable ball control, each possession a showcase of their remarkable talents.
As the clock ticked on, the intensity soared. At 16:10, the Huskies drew first blood, with #19 Cleisson Anklam, a newly crowned all-conference team athlete, unleashing a precise strike into the net. The Rattlers fought back valiantly, but missed opportunities plagued their efforts, including a crucial chance at 12:32 when they failed to capitalize on an open net.
The second half saw no relenting in the ferocity of play. The Rattlers' keeper pulled off two miraculous saves early on, keeping his team in contention. However, the Huskies continued to press forward, with #19 Cleisson Anklam delivering a masterclass performance, notching his second goal around the 21:00-minute mark, leaving spectators in awe of his talents.
With the tension palpable and the clock winding down, the Rattlers staged a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 3-2 with just minutes remaining. Yet, the Huskies refused to relinquish their lead. In a moment of sheer brilliance, #4 Aaron Ernst sealed the deal with an outstanding bicycle kick goal at 4:35, sending the Husky faithful into a frenzy.
In the dying moments of the game, with 38.9 seconds left on the clock, the Rattlers clawed back with a goal, igniting hope among their supporters. However, their dreams were dashed when, with just 16 seconds remaining, the ACAC futsal MVP of 2024, #19 Cleisson Anklam, put the game to bed with a decisive strike, securing the victory for the Huskies.
As the final whistle blew, the Bold Center erupted with jubilation as the Huskies clinched the gold medal with a final score of 5-3. In a fitting tribute to their stellar performances, #19 Cleisson Anklam for the Huskies and #15 Davi Roldan Tavares Amorim for the Rattlers were named the Players of the Game, their contributions etched into the annals of futsal history.