Kings can't solve Trojans in south final, will face Rustlers for ACAC bronze
Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics
Calgary, AB - The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Soccer team couldn't convert on the few opportunities that the SAIT Trojans allowed Saturday afternoon. In soggy conditions, the Trojans struck once in the first half and twice in the latter half, sealing a 3-0 decision in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men's Soccer South Division final.
The Kings will play for ACAC bronze.
Early in the opening half, the Kings had a glorious opportunity to take an advantage.
Kirk Moody, a Bachelor of Arts Psychology student, raced up the right side but just missed the lower left corner.
Red Deer's Moody (12)
The SAIT Trojans hit the scoreboard about halfway through the first half.
In the 22nd minute, SAIT's Zach Michaud found open space in the lower left corner behind Kings goalkeeper Jared St Thomas.
The home team retained the one goal margin for the next 32 minutes of playing time. Eventually, Senay Haille provided the Trojans a two goal edge in the 54th minute.
With six minutes remaining in the contest, Matteo Zanin tacked on SAIT's third marker. The SAIT Trojans wrapped up a 3-0 win, earning a trip to the ACAC Championship.
After a sound defensive performance, Japan's Wataru Oguchi was named the Kings Player of the Game. Michaud was recognized for the Trojans.
SAIT outshot Red Deer Polytechnic 13-2. St Thomas played well, making several big saves in the Kings' net. SAIT's goalkeeper Ben Press had the clean sheet.
Lacombe's St Thomas (1)
NAIT defeated Lakeland College 2-0 in the ACAC North Division final.
The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (4-1-1) will face the Lakeland College Rustlers (4-1-1) on Saturday, October 30 in the ACAC bronze medal match. During the regular season, the Rustlers finished second in the north. The Kings were second in the south.
The SAIT Trojans (5-0-1) will play the NAIT Ooks (5-0-1) on October 30 for ACAC gold. Both squads ranked first in their respective divisions.