Thunder Clinch Bronze Medal in Thrilling Match Against Lethbridge Kodiaks

ACAC Bronze Medal Finals - Concordia Thunder vs. Lethbridge Kodiaks

(EDMONTON, AB) The ACAC Bronze Medal Finals saw the Concordia Thunder go head-to-head with the Lethbridge Kodiaks, a clash that featured two top-seeded teams from their respective divisions in the regular season (Concordia - North, Lethbridge College - South). Saturday morning marked the commencement of the medal rounds, with a fierce women's division battle between the Kodiaks and the Thunder.

The first half began with both teams exhibiting a deliberate yet choppy style of play as they carefully sized each other up. In the ninth minute, Kodiak's number 9, Ana Waurynchuk, fired a shot wide, marking the first scoring opportunity of the game. As the Kodiaks applied pressure, Concordia's Aubrey French (number 8) displayed impressive defensive work in the center-back position. Shortly after, Monica Dickson made a comfortable save for the Thunder, denying a long-range attempt. Dickson then showcased her skills with a safe collection on a dangerous cross in the 31st minute.

Moments later, the Kodiaks' Nicki Stahl (#13) struck the crossbar with a powerful free kick. However, the Thunder took the lead with a beautiful sequence of play. A well-executed cross from Thunder's Eva Panchuk (#16) found Brooke Loewen (#17) who finished with finesse. This put the Thunder in the lead at 1-0. In the 42nd minute, Nikki Stahl retaliated for the Kodiaks, slotting one past Dickson to level the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half commenced with early pressure from the Kodiaks, resulting in a collision with keeper Monica Dickson. Despite the scare, the ball remained out of the net, and the score remained tied at 1-1. In the 55th minute, Nikki Stahl had a free-kick opportunity from 25 yards, which she placed under the crossbar. However, Monica Dickson's exceptional save tipped it over the net for a corner. Stahl continued to be a force on the field, testing Dickson with another chance in the 64th minute, which the Thunder's keeper denied yet again.

Throughout the second half, Monica Dickson continued her stellar performance, making crucial saves as the Kodiaks pressured and dominated the play. In the 68th minute, a penalty was awarded to the Kodiaks, with Nikki Stahl stepping up. However, Dickson came through once more with an important stop. The Thunder had a dangerous chance on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 88th minute, striking the crossbar and going out.

Finally, in the 90+6 minutes, Emma Derechey (#19) of the Thunder seized a rebound off the crossbar and found the back of the net. This late goal secured the bronze medal for the Thunder, capping the thrilling contest.

Players of the Game:

Concordia Thunder | #1 - Monica Dickson

Lethbridge Kodiaks | #20 - Raeleen Vanden Dungen