The Kings tame the Lions in a close one in Red Deer

Red Deer, September 23, 2023 - The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings picked up their first victory at their home opener of the season as they defeated the Ambrose University Lions in a very tight matchup that came down to the last minute.

With the Kings playoff hopes slipping, they were able to shock the Lions with the opening goal as midfielder Kohen Meckelborg (Bachelor of Business Administration), a transfer from Northwestern Polytechnic, would finish a pass from striker Grant Johnson (Legal Assistant) to open the scoring in Saturday afternoon Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) action.

After coming up with the assist on the first goal, Johnson would score a goal of his own to take a 2-0 lead late in the first half for the Kings.

At the half, the Polytechnic was slightly outshooting the visiting Ambrose University 5-3 but Red Deer was dominating the possession game. Ambrose had their chances but was stopped by the Kings defense and rookie goalkeeper Brian Murray, who is starting his first career in the ACAC.

Kings midfielder Ajdin Sarcevic (Business Administration) would open up the second half scoring after beating a few defenders in the midfield then finishing it bottom corner to go up 3-0.

But seconds later off the kick after the whistle was blown to start the play back up following the goal, midfielder Brady de Castro (General Studies) caught the Kings goalkeeper off his line as he popped one in from his own half-circle to end the clean sheet bit for Murray.

Moments later, winger Lyndon McLaren (Legal Assistant) was given a prime opportunity but was robbed by the sliding Nathan Yeung (Bachelor of Science in Biology).

The Lions would strike within one goal after Aristotle Cruz (Business Administration) came off the flank and put one top shelf to make it 3-2.

The visitors would tie it up with a beautiful one-two play ending with Cruz's one-timer.

But Johnson would pick up his second goal and third point of the game moments later on a breakaway to give his team the lead and ultimately, the victory.

The Legal Assistant student-athlete would pick up the player of the match for the Kings with midfielder Bryce Turnipseed (General Studiers) picking up the honours for the Lions.

Ambrose University will be back in action at home tomorrow as they welcome the Olds College Broncos at 4 pm. The Kings will have a bye tomorrow but will take on the Broncos next week Saturday at 2 pm.