Men's Soccer News Articles

The Eagles faced off once again with their toughest opponent in the Conference, the NAIT Ooks, on Friday, October 21.  With the team nursing lingering injuries and playing in extremely cold conditions, they were to be tested to their fullest against the Ooks.  Unlike previous games, the men were unable to gain possession, both in the air and on the ground, which resulted in NAIT scoring late in the first half.  The second half saw much improvement on the attack, but was unable to produce any goals against the Ooks, who were quick to capitalize on the Eagles’ mistakes striking in several more goals.  In the last 15 minutes of the game, King’s was dealt a serious blow when Quinton Thiessen was sent off.  The game ended 5-0 for the NAIT Ooks, with Player of the Game being awarded to keeper Todd Van Driel for his exceptional work in net.

Saturday, October 22 saw the end of the Eagles’ soccer season but proved to be one of the hardest fought games of the season, with the team in high spirits knowing that this was going to be the game that they would finish with a bang.  From the beginning kickoff, they quickly advanced into the Wolves third, effectively containing them in the middle of the pitch.  The Eagles were the first on the scoreboard, after an amazing shot by Scott Block, with only seconds left in the first half.  King’s carried that momentum and attitude into the second half but an unfortunate scramble in front of the net put the Wolves on the scoreboard.  The rest of the game was a very intense back and forth struggle for control in the middle third, until right winger Alex Prins scored at the top of the 18 yard box.  Desperate to get back in the game, the Wolves threw everything they had at the Eagles defense, but cool heads and patience allowed King’s to constantly repel them back until another scuffle in the 6 yard box saw GPRC scoring again.  The final score at the end of the game was once again 2-2, with Player of the Game going to central defender Buddy Morris for his constant presence everywhere.

10.17.11  -  Eagles vs. MacEwan
The King’s University Eagles Men’s Soccer Team faced off against Grant MacEwan for the second time on October 15.  After having an extra-long weekend, the Eagles were in less than top condition as they ran on unfamiliar ground in the cold weather.  The first half of the game was a rough one for the men, as they struggled for possession and often failing to keep it when they finally achieved the task of winning the ball.  Due to inexperience for playing off turf, the team was also struggling on their first touches and passes, often letting the ball get ahead of them.  The score at the end of the first half was 1-0.  The second half went much smoother after some words from the coaches, which really showed on the field.  The team was able to move the ball a lot more efficiently, allowing for more chances on net.  The Eagles scored late in the game from a cross played by first year Nathan Lodewyk that was hit in by first year Alex Prins.  The score at the end of the 90 was 4-1. 

Special mention is given to defender Buddy Morris, who was awarded Player of the Game, who showed strength on defense, quickly cutting off most attacks that would come along his side, all the while keeping a cool disposition.

10.04.11 - Eagles vs. Concordia
The King’s Eagles welcomed October with a rematch against Concordia, and showed an incredible improvement from the first time they went up against each other.  At the beginning of the game the team faced off against their opponent with confidence not willing to come up short as they had at the beginning of the season.  From the kick off, the Eagles were showing a much more aggressive game, starting off by putting the ball far in Concordia’s deep end.  Unlike the previous game, fitness was not an issue and the team was able to work cohesively, making impressive, quick one touch plays.  Concordia scored the only goal of the match, a shot, that despite the Eagles' keeper’s efforts, managed to get a lucky bounce off the far post and in.  The team, however, showed patience, and let Concordia play with the ball, and were quick to jump on mistakes, which resulted in powerful counterattacks that left their opposition’s defence in confusion and frustration.  The game ended with the score being 1-0 for Concordia, but the Eagles still held their heads high knowing that they were in control of the game.  Player of the Game went to Scott Block.

The Eagles have a Bye weekend and won't play till next Saturday at Grant MacEwan at 2 pm.

09.22.11 - Eagles vs. NAIT & Grande Prairie
The weekend of the 16th saw the Men’s soccer team go up against the NAIT Ooks, and although NAIT had the clear advantage of experience and fitness, King’s once again proved that they are not an opponent to be taken lightly.  With the weather pushing 25oC, the team was in high spirits as they faced off against NAIT, knowing that this would be one of the hardest opponents that they would be facing.  Unfortunately experience and luck on the side of NAIT saw them quickly scoring in the opening minutes of the first half.  Not to be deterred, King’s put up a strong defence, but was simply at the bottom end of luck as the first half ended 3-0.  Determined not to finish in a shut-out, the Eagles attacked in full force which ultimately resulted in their first goal of the season scored by mid-fielder Scott Block.  Final score: 5-1, with Player of the Match awarded to Scott Block.

The following day proved to be a game of intensity and heart, showed by the whole team as they faced off against the Grande Prairie Wolves.  Unlucky habits from the day before still lingered as the Wolves were the first to be on the scoreboard, but quick thinking and an amazing header by striker Patrick Miller allowed the Eagles to even the score.  What followed was an intense defensive effort, once again started by Co-Captain Josh Kui, as the team showed that although they may not be the most graceful, they are one of the hardest working.  Unlike the earlier games, the team did not seem to be troubled by fatigue and went hard for the whole 90 minutes ending the game in a 2-2 tie.

Player of the Match for the King’s vs GPRC game was given to the Eagles goalkeeper and Co-Captain Todd Van Driel.  In both games, Todd proved to be both an effective leader and an exceptional keeper, keeping his cool despite the score and heat. With outstanding saves and vision, Van Driel once again showed why he is one of the top goalkeepers in the ACAC.

09.12.11 -  Eagles vs. Alumni & Concordia
The men’s soccer team inaugurated their season under sunny skies and 30°C temperatures with an informal match against past players in the annual alumni game. Many of the rookies got a taste of what will be ahead of them in the upcoming ACAC season as notable players from the past including Steve Eichhorst, Matt Guay, Daryl Van Driel, Josh DeJager and Derek Bosma took to the pitch. The evening saw the Alumni routing their opponents with a 2-0 victory.

With only 3 formal practices under their belt and 8 new faces on the team, this past weekend saw two solid efforts on the part of the men’s soccer team as they sought to find their fighting form. The challenge of a new season and new faces was evident in the match against Concordia on Friday as the team struggled at times to find their sought after form.  Fitness combined with the 31°C temperatures contributed to all-round fatigue and many of the rookies were surprised by the speed and aggression of ACAC soccer.  By the end of the first match however, the team was beginning to find cohesion and were determined to take what they had learned from the match and implement it the next day.  Player of the Game went to 4th year Co-Captain Josh Kui.

This was on full display in the match on Saturday.  The contrast between the Friday match against Concordia and the Saturday match against Grant MacEwan was readily apparent as individuals began to coalesce as a team. The match saw a blossoming partnership between defensive duo of Matthew Fehr and Quinton Thiessen, and the lightning fast hands and incredible dives of Goalkeeper Todd Van Driel.  Co-Captain Josh Kui provided dedicated leadership from the kickoff to the final whistle, a dedication that was picked up on by his fellow players.  In spite of a 0-2 ending in favour of Grant MacEwan, the match ended with the players in high spirits coming to a realization that they performed well and are able to complete well against other teams in the Conference.  Eagles ACAC Player of the Game went to 3rd year full back Matt Fehr.

The Eagles host NAIT on Friday, September 16th at 5 pm, and then the GPRC Wolves on Saturday, September 17th at 4 pm!