NAIT Ooks Emerge Victorious in Extra Time Thriller Against SAIT Trojans
(EDMONTON, AB) The final game of Friday evening unfolded as a captivating contest between the SAIT Trojans and the NAIT Ooks. In this clash of Edmonton versus Calgary, top-seeded SAIT faced off against their underdog rivals from the north. The match was a testament to the intensity of the ACAC soccer competition.
With an extra day of rest, the SAIT Trojans entered the game with an extra burst of energy. The action quickly ramped up in the first 10 minutes as both teams showed their intent to seize control. NAIT, despite being the underdogs, found their footing and began trading chances. The game settled into a rhythm, with premium ball movement dominating the midfield. A memorable moment arrived in the 22nd minute when the Ooks' #23 Joey Lajolie launched a powerful long-range shot that struck the crossbar and deflected down but miraculously stayed out of the net. The first half showcased crisp passing, aggressive challenges, and some fantastic plays, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half began with a flurry of aggressive plays that sent many players to the turf. The intensity of the Battle between Edmonton and Calgary escalated, and a 0-0 tie persisted. Both teams fiercely defended their goals, making it increasingly challenging to break through. A chance for NAIT off a corner kick in the 73rd minute was thwarted by the keeper. The Trojans had their opportunity in the 80th minute but couldn't find the mark. The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 as the Trojans continued to press in the latter part of the second half.
With extra time looming, both teams had their sights set on finding the tie-breaking goal. As the clock ticked on, the anticipation grew. In the end, the final whistle blew, and extra time was on the horizon.
Extra time was a tense affair, marked by high stakes, vocal coaches, and fatigued players. Toward the end of the first half of extra time, a SAIT player received a second yellow card, resulting in an ejection, leaving the Ooks with an 11-player advantage to 10 for the Trojans in the second half of extra time.
In an explosive turn of events, the NAIT Ooks secured a quick 2-goal lead with strikes from Hossie Kifle and Javier Cassie. These goals would seal their victory, and with a final score of 2-0, the Ooks advanced.
Players of the Game:
NAIT | #12 - Javier Cassie
SAIT | #20 - Bradley Atherton