An offensive surge skyrocketed the CCHS Crusaders boys soccer club to a convincing season opening victory this week.
The defending champs slashed through league rival Holy Trinity Academy, 7-2, Monday (May 2) in Okotoks.
Crusaders Ty Godfrey and Malcolm Rogers both scored hat tricks, and Jackson Howatt added one goal.
Typically, the season opener is always an anxious and tense match, said head coach Gary Anderson, but the “flood gates opened” after halftime and the force was unleashed.
“That’s exactly what happened,” said Anderson. “We were completely dominating the game, we missed a couple of golden scoring opportunities early … and the flood gates opened after halftime.
“Last year, I thought we had our strongest year and we beat (Holy Trinity) 3-2 in the opening game, and (Monday) was quite convincingly.”
To add an extra feather in the team’s cap, the victory was ”by far the largest margin” CCHS have defeated Holy Trinity.
The boys found the back of the net five times in the second half, led by a strong defensive core and some clutch saves by goalkeeper Riley Millar.
“We’ve been working hard with the boys for months, and we’re very pleased with the new defenders who don’t have a lot of experience,” said Anderson.
“Millar made a few significant saves in the game; he’s an excellent goalkeeper.”
The Crusaders had a match Wednesday (May 4) against the Highwood Mustangs, but the Outlook was unable to post the results due to publication deadlines.
Their next away game is Monday (May 9) against the Strathmore Spartans.
“Strathmore beat (Holy Trinity) 4-0 (Tuesday), I would expect them to be quite a strong opponent based on their good result,” said Anderson.
The team’s home opener is May 16 against Holy Trinity.
To help prepare CCHS prior to the season, the boys played two matches against Canmore United men’s soccer club, which “really helps a lot” for their season.
This season, the boys in green and yellow chase a few accolades, which include a second straight zone championship, a fifth consecutive Foothills High School Soccer League (FSL) title, and a three-peat undefeated FSL season.
