RDP Queens drop Trojans, share first place in the south

Calgary, AB – Ever since the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens were edged by the SAIT Trojans 4-3 in the season opener, they had the October 2 rematch circled on their calendars.

Despite playing the Trojans tough in the first game, the RDP Queens had several injuries and ill student-athletes, and believed if they were healthy and played up to their potential they could topple the defending Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Champions.

That belief turned into reality Sunday afternoon in Calgary.

The visitors struck twice in the first half and earned an impressive 2-1 road decision over the second ranked women's soccer team in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

In the 28th minute, Queens first-year striker Sein Furuyama controlled the ball on the left side and fired a high shot that eluded Trojans goalkeeper Erin Mergen into the right side of the net. It was Furuyama's league leading 19th goal of the season. 

Furuyama (20)

The RDP Queens kept the pressure on and went up by a pair of goals 11 minutes later. Alisha Coules set up Grace Smith and the Bachelor of Commerce student found space in the left side of the net.

The 2-0 lead held until the 68th minute. On a two-on-one, SAIT's Meaghan Wiebe, the 2021/2022 ACAC Women's Soccer Rookie of the Year, elected to shoot and beat Queens goalkeeper Abby Kotyk with a low shot.

Both Kotyk (five saves) and Mergen (four saves) were unbeatable over the final 22 minutes and the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens sealed a 2-1 victory.

The RDP Queens (6-1-0) and SAIT Trojans (6-1-0) now share first place in the south.

Edmonton's Estel Quinteros was recognized as the Queens Player of the Game.

E. Quinteros (8)

Harleen Singh was named the Trojans Player of the Game.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-1-0) will play the Ambrose University Lions (0-8-0) on Friday, October 7 on the road.

Janet Alvarez Perez (6)