RDP Kings tie Kodiaks with late penalty kick

Red Deer, AB - The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings demonstrated their resiliency against the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Sunday afternoon. 

Having played their second game in less than 24 hours, the Kings started to get fatigued in the second half, but they didn't relent.

"It was a good start and we were all over them in the first half. We should have put away a couple which would have solidified the lead," said Mahziar Peyrow, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Soccer Assistant Coach. "It took awhile to get back into the game and yesterday's game definitely took a toll on us. You could tell that we were a bit flat footed and tired from yesterday. Lethbridge had a break yesterday, so they were able to rest and it definitely showed." 

The Kings held a 1-0 edge until midway through the second half when the Kodiaks struck twice within a six minute span to capture a 2-1 lead. The home team evened the contest with eight minutes remaining and each squad earned a point in the standings.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Kings first-year striker Grant Johnson used his speed up the right side and beat Kodiaks goalkeeper Finn McCann with a low shot.

"Grant had an amazing goal. He tore apart three players twice and then put that goal away. He has speed and is a good addition to the team, for sure," explained Peyrow. "Their defence was fast today. In the second half, they made an adjustment and shifted players in order to cover him. You could see that he wasn't getting the ball as much - same thing with Eduardo [Crespo] in the middle. They wouldn't give him an inch which took a little bit away from our game, but it was exciting for the fans to watch."

When it looked like that goal may the only one in the battle for second spot in the south, the visitors were energized in the latter half. Ethan Meerkerk tied the game 1-1 in the 73rd minute and Jaxon Uhl lifted the Kodiaks ahead 2-1 in the 79th minute. Charlie Block assisted on both goals.

Then Kings captain Ajdin Sarcevic knotted the contest 2-2 off of a penalty kick. The second-year midfielder found room on the left side.

Ajdin Sarcevic (10)

Both goalkeepers were unbeatable for the rest of the game and the two squads settled for a 2-2 draw.

Ashton Chipman, a first-year Bachelor of Science student, was named the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game.

Chipman (16)

"Ashton has wheels. He's a fast kid and great up and down the wing. He provided a lot for us in the first half," added Peyrow. "Then he showed for us in the middle which was nice. We needed presence there. He fights hard for the ball. He took a couple of knocks, but still gets up and gets back into the game which is nice to see." 

Defender Joel McLeod received the award for the Kodiaks.

The second place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (2-1-1) will play the Broncos (1-1-2) in Olds on Saturday, October 1 at 2 pm.

On Friday, September 30, the third seed Kodiaks (1-1-3) will challenge the Rattlers (0-2-2) in Medicine Hat at 4 pm.

Kings goalkeeper Jared St Thomas made four saves