Rattlers over Kings in Medicine Hat

The Red Deer College Kings Soccer team wanted to raise their compete level Sunday afternoon in Medicine Hat against the Rattlers, and several student-athletes did just that. While down a player in the 2nd half, many Kings elevated their game at a crucial time when the Rattlers had opportunities to build a larger lead.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the half, added a 3rd goal in the latter half and picked up a 3-0 home win over the Kings. 

The goalkeeper for the Kings was Talon Grenier and at the other end of the field was Devin Simon for the Rattlers. Grenier, from Olds, made 10 saves for RDC while Simon turned aside 3 shots. Matthew Elphick, Theoren Gill and Lee Wagar had the shots on goal for the Kings.

Medicine Hat College opened the scoring in the 19th minute on a goal by Austin Price. In the 26th minute, Connor Ismond struck to put the Rattlers up 2-0 and that lead stayed intact into the half.

In the 86th minute Rodrigo Tavares gave the Rattlers a 3-0 lead and that was the final tally of the game. 

Kings Soccer Head Coach Wade Groenewegen noted several great efforts in the 2nd half. "Tanner Steenbergen played a strong game at right fullback," said Groenewegen. "Nelson McPherson-Krueger and Kyle Bett were also solid throughout the game. While we were down a man in the second half, the team dug in and raised their level of play."

In practice, the Kings will work on their quickness in game-like situations. "We will continue to work on our speed in training," said Groenewegen. "The overall idea is there, but the execution of the final pass has to improve." 

Tanner Steenbergen was named the Kings player-of-the-game.

The Red Deer College Kings (0-2-0) will host the Olds College Broncos (0-1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2:00 p.m. in their home opener. On Sunday, the SAIT Trojans (1-0-0) will face the RDC Kings at 2:00 p.m. at the RDC Field.