Lakeland bounce back to knock off King's

The Rustlers are two for two in responding to a loss this season.

Lakeland hosted the King's Eagles, currently the North's top team, a week after having lost 1-0 to them in Edmonton. It's become a fierce rivalry in recent years between the two programs and that was evident Saturday afternoon.

Lakeland capitalized early, thanks to a conversion by Hani Tekheste in the first five minutes of the half. The Rustlers were able to maintain pressure most of the period, leading by a goal at the break.

In the second, the Rustlers extended their lead after Nathan Tran finished some nice passing with a strong strike just outside the box. After they maintained the two-goal cushion for nine minutes, the Eagles responded to make it a one goal game, courtesy of reserve Pablo Lugo.

Play became chippy as the game continued, with multiple cautions being given out between the two teams and an ejection to Eagles player Nathan Steenhof. Then, after several close calls for Lakeland that nearly tied the game, Juan Estrada broke away to hit a beautiful strike just under the bar to ice the contest.

Tyson Wagner won POG for Lakeland, while Lugo won for King's. This improves the Rustlers record to 2-2-0.

Next up, a trip to Lac La Biche on Sunday to play the Voyageurs.