It’s been an unusual schedule for Canmore Collegiate Crusaders boys soccer to start the season.
Still, the team sits on an unblemished 3-0 record and coaches are confident this season is working out to be another promising year for the guys in yellow and green.
The young men have played three away games out of four straight to start the season and typically that would not be a good situation in any league, said head coach Gary Anderson.
However, after outscoring their first trio of opponents 20-4, legwork the players have dedicated into the program prior to the season has proved to be a championship formula for CCHS.
“We’re always trying to teach our boys life lessons through sports and we work harder and prepare harder before the season,” said Anderson. “We couldn’t have gotten off to a better start to the season.”
Indoor training camp began in February and unseasonably warm weather has helped with outdoor practices.
CCHS blanked the Highwood Mustangs 4-0 on May 4 in High River as unexpectedly hot weather beat down on the pitch.
Jackson Howatt scored a hat trick and Malcolm Rogers beat the goalkeeper once.
The team’s season opener was May 2, and Anderson said they have never played in back-to-back games in that kind of heat, hitting daily highs of about 26 C.
“The boys were lagging a bit (May 4) against Highwood,” said Anderson. “(Highwood was) quite strong at the beginning, it was very even. We really coached them up to go play soccer, and let the ball do the talking, which wore (Highwood) down a bit.”
The Crusaders travelled to gusty Strathmore and smashed the Spartans 9-2 on Monday (May 9).
Player of the match Seve Solana led the Crusaders with four goals.
Howatt and Michael Wirl each found the back of the net twice, and Jarek Rothwell added a goal.
“The elements are always a huge deal in Strathmore,” said Anderson. “(The coaches) really talked to the boys on the bus about how critically important it would be to keep the ball on the ground and not get into a kick-fest with the wind gusts.”
Prior to the season, Anderson had concerns about the team’s defence as a strong core of defenders a season ago had graduated.
However, with the coaching staff and veteran players helping younger defenders, the team’s defence has pleased Anderson the most in the early calendar.
The Crusaders play Friday (May 13) against Foothills Composite Falcons in Okotoks as their final away game before heading to Canmore for their home opener.
The Crusaders host league rival Holy Trinity Academy, Monday (May 16) at Millennium Park at 4:30 p.m.
