Rustlers Soccer Weekend Recap - September 17

Lakeland's soccer squads both came away with ties in their home opener on Saturday, as well as 3-1 victories in Lac La Biche on Sunday.

The women were looking to rebound from a loss in Grande Prairie, while their opponents, the NAIT Ooks, had won their opening game against King's. Early on both teams were able to generate chances, narrowly missing on multiple occasions. In the second half, Lakeland managed to take control of more possessions, though they were unable to convert against keeper Kailey Harder.

As the weather conditions worsened, the two teams maintained their pace of play, with time running out before a score could occur. For her strong two-way play, Kyla Franks won Player of the Game for the Rustlers, while Harder was named POG for the Ooks.

The following afternoon, the women had a solid performance against Portage with three different players scoring in their win. This bumps the team's record up to 2-1-1, good for third in the North Division.

On the men's side, it was as clear an example of changing momentum as you're going to get on a soccer pitch.

Lakeland was able to match the perennial powerhouse Ooks in the earlier goings, where play quickly became chippy and multiple cautions were handed out. In the dying minutes of the first half, the visitors capitalized twice, first on a conversion by Javier Cassie, then on an incredible strike from near the halfway mark of the field by Rodane Cato seconds before the referee called for halftime.

In the second half, the Rustlers struggled initially with fouls, before gaining control in the later portion of the half. Spencer Shand cut the lead in half, then in the 81st minute, Yassin Hassen scored thanks to a pass from Tristan-Mbuguje Kayiranga.

Nicholas Filipovic, who made several great saves for the home team, was named Player of the Game, with Cato earning the same recognition for the visitors.

On Sunday, the Rustlers led 1-0 after the first half, briefly giving up that lead in the 59th minute. However, two tallies later in the half paved the way to victory.

Both teams will face off against NAIT in Edmonton on Saturday, before hosting Concordia on Sunday.