The Redeemer Royals soccer teams dropped a pair of road games on Saturday as they left the confines of the Royals Sports Complex for the first time this season. Both teams were on the losing end at the hands of the Fanshawe Falcons after early goals in both games proved too difficult to overcome.

The Lady Royals got off to a difficult start with a goal against in the 11th minute by Fanshawe's Nicole McDonald. The home side struck again just 7 minutes later when the Falcons went up 2-0 courtesy of Marisa Oliveira.

Fanshawe added another before halftime when Nicole McDonald got her second of the match in the 31st minute.

Redeemer seemed to settle down from there as they tried to do their best to eliminate the bad start.

After a better second half, a lapse in concentration towards the end cost Redeemer one more goal as Haley O'Brien scored for the Flacons in the 84th giving Fanshawe the 4-0 win.

Assistant Coach Patrick Miedema summed up the match saying, "we were backed up for most of the game. They applied a ton of pressure and we found it difficult to move the ball forward."

Redeemer's goalie, Grace Berkel, had another solid game for the Royals. Despite the score, Berkel kept Redeemer in the match with a number of key saves. "Grace played really well for us today", commented Miedema. "She had some fantastic saves that bailed us out a couple of times. We were under constant pressure for most of the match."

When looking forward to Redeemer's next match the Royals will need to play more consistent as a team. "We need to move better as a team", added Miedema. "We need more intent in our passing. We did a good job at winning the ball, but we continued to turn it over putting the pressure right back on us to defend."

The Royals now fall to 0-3.

The men's match started off with the same tone as the Women's game. Redeemer dug themselves a hole early as Fanshawe scored just 6 minutes in when Kingsley Ezennaya found the back of the net. A defensive miscue sent Ezennaya in alone on a breakaway.
 
The next goal in the match didn't come until the 65th minute. Unfortunately for Redeemer it was not the equalizer as Fanshawe's Prince Ihekwoabo put the Falcons up 2-0. After a free kick into the box, the Royals were unable to clear the ball and Ihekwoabo got his foot on a shot after a scramble to gain control.

Redeemer's coaching staff walked away from the match feeling a little unlucky. "We had chances throughout the game", commented Coach Grootenboer. "They were able to capitalize on our miscues while we were unable to do the same on theirs. Overall, it was a solid effort by our entire team and we are looking forward to rebounding next week."

Ben Goes had the clean sheet for Fanshawe.

The Men's team record moves to 1-2.

Both teams will have a full week of practice before they see any more game action. Redeemer hosts the Lambton Lions on Saturday September 21st at 12pm and 2pm in their next match.