Trojans edge Queens at RDC Field

Brent Forster - RDC

Even though the Red Deer College Queens picked up a draw yesterday, they weren't satisfied with the result and their consistency. Sunday afternoon, the RDC Queens entertained the SAIT Trojans at the RDC Field and were looking for a consistent effort over 90 minutes. It was a closely contested game and after the Trojans scored 1st, both goalkeepers were perfect the remainder of the game and SAIT picked up a 1-0 road victory despite a strong effort from the RDC Queens.

Erin Gill was the starting goalkeeper for the Queens while Amy Offredi was in net for the Trojans.

In the early stages, SAIT hit the crossbar but the ball stayed out. Reesa Garez tried to put RDC on the scoreboard 1st but her low shot to the left side of the net was stopped by SAIT's goalkeeper. Each team had some opportunities to score and in the 37th minute midfielder, Autumn Schneider opened the scoring for the Trojans. Schneider sent a high shot over an outstretched Gill's hand. The RDC Queens had more of the play in the Trojans' zone in the opening half but Offredi couldn't be beaten. Both teams headed to the break at the half with a 1-0 SAIT lead even though the Queens had a hard-working opening 45 minutes.

Around the 49th minute, Offredi came out to challenge the RDC offence and the ball skipped past her. Adama Soumah, of the Queens, tried to hit the right side of the net but the ball rolled just wide. Overall, it was a more defensive 2nd half. When time expired, the Trojans picked up a 1-0 win despite several good scoring chances for the Queens.

Queens Head Coach Esad Elkaz  appreciated the consistent effort. "It was one of those games where the ball doesn't want to go in the net. We created five to six very good chances and we will have to work hard in our training to fix those problems. Compared from yesterday to today, we created consistent pressure," said Elkaz. "Yesterday we dropped down on that pressure but today we played ninety minutes. I was very pleased with the student-athletes even though we lost the game 1-0. It is part of the game. They will try to fix that and get stronger next week."

Heading into this week's practices, the Queens want to focus on goal scoring. "We still want to work on finishing in practice. We are creating chances and are good at moving the ball from one side to the other," said Elkaz. "We are doing a lot of good things and just have to find the net."

Elkaz appreciates the leadership that some returning Queens have provided. "It's great to see the fifth year players, Krysten Strand and Chelsea Webster helping the younger ones," said Elkaz. "The girls work hard and support each other. I believe our game will continue to improve."

Bachelor of Science (Nursing) student, Chelsea Webster was happy with the work ethic and agreed with her coach about the focus in practice. "Our effort was there today but we still have to work on finishing so we will be working on that in practice. We couldn't really catch a break today but we kept positive and that's all you really can do," said Webster. "You can't get down on yourself and you have to stay encouraging of teammates. It will come but unfortunately it didn't work out for us today. We have a lot of the season left to turn it around." 

Jaden Humphrey was named the Queens player-of-the-game while Amy Offredi earned the award for the Trojans.

The Red Deer College Queens (0-1-3) will host the Lakeland College Rustlers (0-4-0) on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the RDC Field.