The Airdrie U18 boys Aztec soccer club scored its fourth straight win under threatening skies at Monklands Soccer Park, July 12, defeating Calgary’s Villains Segundo 4-2.
High winds and cool temperatures greeted the teams after rain subsided.
The Aztecs’ Chase Grenier and Fraser Hunter were both able to beat the Segundo netminder in the first half, but a late goal by the Calgary club kept the score within reach heading into the second 45-minute frame.
“I thought we controlled the game very well, even playing in a strong wind in the first half,” said Aztec head coach Brian Hunter. “The boys did great, got themselves two goals before half time.”
Heading into the second half, Hunter told the team that a goal early would give them some breathing room throughout the second half.
“They come out and nearly got it, hitting the post,” said Hunter. “They just kept going and they eventually got it, giving us the space we needed.”
Two second-half goals by Todd Titley and Andrew Paskaruk gave the Aztecs a three-goal buffer, but some late game pressure from the Segundo club and a single goal kept the Airdrie team on alert.
The 4-2 win was a surprise for Hunter considering the team played a four-game tournament over the weekend.
“I thought the boys would be tired, but they didn’t show any signs of tiredness at all,” he said. “They had a Spain look about them.”
Hunter expected the weather to hinder the team’s performance, as high winds played havoc
“We told the boys to keep the ball on the ground and try and pass the ball,” said Hunter. “That is the best passing performance I have seen this season.”
The team’s next matchup will be against the Northstar Matrix on July 20 at the Foothills Athletic Park in Calgary.
