Defence shines as Kings tie Rattlers

Brent Forster - RDC with information from Rattlers Athletics

Medicine Hat, AB - Strong defence was on display in the Red Deer College Kings' season opening game in Medicine Hat against the Rattlers. Over 90 minutes, neither team could find the back of the net, and the Kings and Rattlers played to a 0-0 draw. 

The Kings had one of the better opportunities in the early stages with a free kick 30 yards out, but they couldn't beat Rattlers goalkeeper Joao Vitor Duz Batista. After some back-and-forth play for the majority of the first half, the Kings applied some late pressure. The RDC Kings were able to hem the Rattlers in their own end for nearly five straight minutes to wrap up the opening 45 minutes, but they couldn't capitalize. 

The second half had many similarities to the first. Both teams had difficulty converting their chances and the game was dictated by both teams' strong defence and goalkeeping. As time expired, the Kings and Rattlers split a scoreless draw.

Kings goalkeeper Jacob Hamilton made six saves in the tie. Batista also turned aside six shots for the Rattlers. 

Jacob Hamilton

Pedro Humberto Mourao Neto, a second-year midfielder from Brazil, was named the RDC Kings Player-of-the-Game. Goalkeeper Joao Vitor Duz Batista received the award for the Rattlers.  

Batista and Neto  Pic - coutesy of Rattlers Twitter

The RDC Kings (0-0-1) will face the Lethbridge College Kodiaks (1-0-0) on Sunday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. to finish their two-game road trip.