MSOC | Kodiaks Slither Past Rattlers 2-1

Sept. 24, 2021 - The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's soccer team won their second straight match on Friday, downing the rival Medicine Hat Rattlers 2-1 in a tightly contested affair at Servus Centre Outdoor Field.

The Kodiaks (2-1) knew they needed a faster start than in their previous showings, and a pair of veterans delivered. Fifth year defensive back Jaden Veluw scored his second in as many games, knocking in a header off a corner kick from Easton Beaulieu in the 11th minute.

The hosts then doubled their lead three minutes later off another header. This time it was Ben Cull scoring his first as a Kodiak, finding twine after a free kick from Ben Knight.  

Lethbridge dominated possession throughout the opening half, but Medicine Hat was able to slither back into the match after Paul Wasylyk converting a penalty in the 41st minute. 

Medicine Hat pressed for the equalizer throughout an intense and chippy second half, but the Kodiaks defensive line held firm, allowing the Rattlers just a single shot.

Lethbridge missed a golden opportunity to add insurance in the 88th minute as Austin Price was taken down in the area. Beaulieu stepped up for the PK and rang it off the cross bar, but thankfully the miss did not come back to haunt the hosts as they grabbed all six points. 

The Kodiaks will now prepare for a couple of key road clashes in Calgary as they hit the second half of their abbreviated six game ACAC schedule. They will take on undefeated SAIT on Friday before facing Ambrose on Sunday. 

Players of the Game:

Rattlers: #14 Colin Kirkland

Kodiaks: #15 Ben Knight