Rustlers take on the Kodiaks and Rattlers

The Lakeland Rustlers Women's Soccer team played at home on the weekend, taking on the Lethbridge Kodiaks and Medicine Hat Rattlers.

A snowy and cold Saturday saw the Rustlers take on the Lethbridge Kodiaks.  The weather was likely a factor early on, as the game was delayed due to several inches of snow needing to be removed from the field.  The teams were physical and had scoring chances early, but were unable to find the back on the net.  The Kodiaks were the first team to find the back of the net and never looked back, opening the scoring in the 28th minute. The Rustlers had chances to tie the game before the end of the first half but instead found themselves trailing 1-0 after 45 minutes. 

In the second half, the Kodiaks started scoring early and often, extending their lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute, before following it up with another goal in the 50th minute.  The Kodiaks added three more goals before the game was over, giving them the 6-0 win. 

Player of the Game for the Rustlers was first year midfielder #15, Krystal Penner. 

Weather conditions were much improved on Sunday as the Rustlers took on the Medicine Hat Rattlers.  The game was physical from the start, with both teams being aggressive on both sides of the ball. The physical play gave both teams scoring opportunities, but the Rattlers were the first to capitalize, opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Like Saturday, the Rustlers had chances to tie the game before the end of the first half but were unable to. 

Lakeland had plenty of scoring chances early in the second half, with third year Nikki Boutin having several good looks at the net, but once again, the Rattlers were the first to score. The Rattlers increased their lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute. The Rustlers were able to capitalize on their chances in the 86th minute, with a goal by Boutin. The Rustlers made a strong push to tie the game in the final minutes, but instead, it was the Rattlers who would score, giving them the 3-1 win. 

The lone goal of the game scored by Boutin earned her Player of the Game honors for the Rustlers.

The Rustlers hit the road next weekend, traveling to Southern Alberta to take on the Ambrose Lions (1-2-1) and Red Deer Queens (4-1).  The Rustlers will return home on Saturday October 6th, to take on the Red Deer Queens.