Two league titles.
Two zone championships.
Total domination.
That’s exactly how CCHS boys soccer coach Gavin Peacock described his team’s performance Monday (June 3( at Millennium Park as they tasted sweet victory for the second year in a row.
The Crusaders clinched their second banner with a 2-1 win over a nasty Holy Trinity Academy Knights squad from Okotoks which did its best to physically intimidate the Canmore squad, but could not match their skill.
“Two years running, league and zones is something special. It’s not easy to do,” Peacock said.
Malte Geiser was the hero on the day with two goals, however, an entire team effort lead to a convincing victory, which saw the club go undefeated in round robin play, and play extremely disciplined soccer in the final.
“I’m really happy to captain this type of team. I’ll never forget this year. Winning double feels awesome. It’s a great way to end the high school career,” said Crusaders captain Jiho Chun, who has earned a scholarship with the University of Victoria.
Holy Trinity’s fiery demeanor led to its lone goal two minutes into the match, as they caught the Crusaders flat-footed and disorganized. Thankfully, under the careful leadership of Chun and defender Emmett Robinson-Smith, the team regained their composure and returned to the ball possession game which has led to their success.
By the end of the first half, Canmore’s fitness began to take over, as they put the Holy Trinity side on its heels. When their opposition complained about a call, Canmore countered with strong transition. Canmore’s patience paid off when Crusader striker Geiser found the corner of the net off an excellent break to knot the game.
Through the second half, Canmore contined to carry the play, earning several glorious chances. When the ball was turned over, the Crusaders received deft defensive play from their midfield and defenders, as Jasper Kwasny, Reed and Ty Godfrey and Aiden Miller were rock solid in their own zone.
Geiser then broke free with striker Adrian Clavero and showed a great touch around the net to earn a 2-1 lead. Canmore controlled the lead expertly and did not fall victim to the questionable tactics from the Okotoks squad, whose sportsmanship went down the toilet once they fell behind.
Peacock admonished the Okotoks Catholic school squad for dangerous play and disrespectful language in the final.
“Holy Trinity is a physical team. They try and kick you. They try and hurt you. I think they don’t play fairly. The referee today did a god job handling them. Some of their language is a disgrace and some of their tackles are quite frankly very, very dangerous,” the former English Premier League star stated.
“I told our boys ‘you match them physically, you don’t kick them, but your skill will come through.’ We’ve beaten them in the league twice, home and away, and we’ve beaten them in the final. We did the same last year.”
Watching skill trump physical play only sweetened the victory for the Crusaders.
“This proves skill can come out on top. Our boys proved exactly what we want to achieve with these young men – that you can develop character through sport,” said Peacock.
“Everybody stepped up. Everyone played in our four matches. We had players down with cramps and injury. These guys have shown skill… the Grade 12s stepped up. They were men today. You need your Grade 12s in a game like that.”
Chun embodied that spirit for the Crusaders. Charging upfield, baffling Okotoks defenders, he took charge when his team needed him most.
“We were on our last legs, but we outbattled them,” Chun said.
“We love playing those guys because it’s physical and competitive. We knew we’d be hit around, especially at the end,” said Kwasny.
Wes Rose was outstanding in net for the Crusaders. After enduring several losing seasons playing football for the Bow Valley Wolverines, he was recruited by coach Gary Anderson, who saw he had quick hands.
“It means so much. This is my first time playing soccer for the team and it’s awesome to win, and not lose.”
