MSOC: King’s University earns first ACAC medal in program history
October. 30, 2022- A historic tournament for The King's University Eagles culminated with a historic first ACAC medal in program history. An early goal was all that was needed as the Eagles shutout Keyano College 1-0 in the ACAC men's soccer championship bronze medal game on Sunday afternoon in Raymond, Alta.
The bronze medal comes just two days after the Eagles earned the first playoff win in the program's history, a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks on Friday.
"Our team struggled in the match against SAIT last night to really believe that we belong here," said Eagles coach Todd Van Driel. "I think today was a really good opportunity for us to go into the match fully believing that that we can take these players, that we are a program that's worth planning for that's worth really worth adjusting their game for. So, it's really awesome to see that the guys did take that to heart today."
The Eagles wasted little time getting on the board, striking for the game's opening goal just nine minutes in. Gabriel Ferreira (third year, Business, Uberlandia, Brazil) sent a strike inside the far post off a pass from Noah Bilodeau (second year, Social Science, Parkland County, Alta.) to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Emotions were high between the two north division rivals as the rest of the first half played out. In search of the equalizer, Keyano's James Bartha (first year, Business Administration, Chilliwack, B.C.) fired a quick shot from in close, but Scott Hornbeck (fourth year, Education, Edmonton) dove to make the save and keep the game 1-0 heading to the half.
The Eagles had a glorious chance to add to their lead in the second half, as Bilodeau sliced his way through the defence in the 68th minute and fired a shot that got past the keeper but rung off the post. Then in the 74th minute, Ferreira found space to rip a shot that sailed just wide.
Late in the half, the Huskies put on a strong push for the equalizer with a series of chances. The best came off a free kick in 81st minute. Hafid Arellano (first year, Business Administration, Lima, Peru) had the initial kick, which was blocked on its way through, but the rebound found its way to Caleb Kehler (second year, Business Administration Esports, Kemptville, Ont.) who blasted one from middle of the field. However, Hornbeck made the save and held on to keep his team in front. In the dying seconds, the Huskies continued to push, with Arellano knocking a shot just wide of the net as time eventually ran out on Keyano, with the Eagles holding on for the win.
Mason Hill (fourth year, Computer Science, Whitecourt) was named player of the game for the Eagles, while Louis Goldbrunner (first year, Education, Attenkirchen, Germany) earned the honour for the Huskies.
"Every single guy on this team learned how to grind and how to actually believe in themselves this season," said Hill. "And honestly, it's the most incredible team have had a chance to be a part of."
Eagles players Ferreira and Hornbeck were both named to the ACAC all-tournament team, along with Huskies players Bartha and Arellano.
The 2022 ACAC Soccer Championships, presented by the Southern Alberta Homes Team at Royal Lepage South Country, are hosted by Lethbridge College at Comet Stadium in Raymond, Alta. All tournament information can be found online. Additional photos from this game can be found on the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Flickr page.