Purnell and Kings finish regular season with a victory, focus shifts to playoffs

Brent Forster - RDC

Medicine Hat, AB - After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, a half-time talk got the Kings' game back on track as they struck for a pair of goals, earning a 2 - 0 shutout decision against the host Rattlers. 

In the 67th minute, Colin Purnell broke the deadlock, striking one past Rattlers' goalkeeper Mason Flegel. The Kings continued to apply pressure and in the 74th minute Matheus Alves provided insurance and a two goal cushion. When time expired, the RDC Kings earned a 2 - 0 road decision. Jacob Hamilton, the RDC goalkeeper, made 6 saves for the shutout. 

Kings Soccer Head Coach Wade Groenewegen was especially pleased with the level of execution in the latter half. "Today was a much better team performance. We defended effectively and played well with possession but our transition game was not quite on in the first half," he says. "In the second half, the boys addressed their transition game and the goals followed."

The Kings' goals were possible through cohesive teamwork. "Colin Purnell scored off a great free kick from Antonio Suhalj and was named our player-of-the-game," says Groenewegen. "Matheus Alves scored off a header from Kyle Bett's corner kick."

Colin Purnell (9) Photo - Tony Hansen

Several Kings stood out positively with their efforts. "William Arcinegas Salazar set the tone for us early and played well all game," says Groenewegen. "Thomas Favel was solid at the back and took charge when needed."

The RDC Kings wrapped up the regular season with a 7 - 3 - 2 record and 23 points in the standings. The SAIT Trojans (12 - 0) sit in first and will host the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men's Soccer Championship, October 26 - 28. 

The RDC Kings will play in the quarter-finals on Friday, October 26.