A TALE OF TWO HALVES
LAC LA BICHE, ALTA. - If Victorian-era author Charles Dickens had been writing about Saturday's women's soccer contest between the Lakeland Rustlers and the Portage College Voyageurs, he'd likely have titled it A Tale of Two Halves. The first-year Voyageurs, playing in only their sixth ACAC regular season game ever, gave the more experienced Rustlers all they could handle in the first 45 minutes of the match-up, before running out of gas in the second half and losing 10-0.
The Voyageurs defended their home turf at Aurora Middle School in Lac La Biche well in the first half, with goalie Gabrielle Tiemstra making several big saves and player of the game Shantae Bourassa making several stellar defensive plays. Compared to their first game of the season, Voyageurs Head Coach Claude Bolton noted the difference is already night and day.
"The first half was the best half we've played so far this season," he said. "The players are really starting to understand their roles."
On a cold and blustery day, the Voyageurs' never-say-die attitude shone through, even to their opponents. "You have really good spirit," said Rustlers Head Coach Laith Matlak, addressing the team after the match during the player of the game awards. "We've been there, trying to start up a soccer program. Keep up that spirit!"
The Voyageurs got a first-hand look at what their program could become as the Rustlers passed the ball well and scored several beautiful goals. Lakeland's player of the game Sarah Costa was particularly impressive, notching four goals, adding an assist and generating numerous scoring chances while playing only 80 minutes. Considering his inexperienced squad was up against such stiff competition, Bolton was pleased with his teams' effort and compete level. "Our first-year players new to soccer have come a long way already," he said. "It's really good to see."
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
VOYAGEURS - Shantae Bourassa
RUSTLERS - Sarah Costa
UP NEXT FOR PORTAGE COLLEGE VOYAGEURS - Travel to Edmonton to take on perenial championship contenders Concordia Thunder on Sunday, September 29 @ 12:00PM.