After falling behind 2-0 within 20 minutes of the opening kick-off, the Royals put together a solid effort to earn a point against the visiting Falcons. A goal midway through the second half leveled the score at 2-2, and neither team could find the back of the net again before the final whistle blew.
Redeemer's
Enzo Guerra netted his first of the season in the 38th minute to pull the Royals back into the match. Then, in the 58th minute,
Wes Schilstra delivered the equalizer with a highlight reel goal. After a Fanshawe foul at the top of their 18 yard box, Schilstra drove the free kick into the top left corner of the net, hammering it past Fanshawe's keeper for his first of the season.
Redeemer featured their 2nd and 3rd goalkeepers of the season on Thursday evening. After
Matt Schoenmaker earned a 2-1 win Saturday against the St. Clair Saints, Redeemer's
Matthew Carney and Linden Bontkes secured the tie against the Falcons. Carney opened the match, while Bontkes came in in to start the 2nd half, earning a 2nd half shutout in his first action of the season.
The match was a chippy affair, with 7 players receiving cautions in the match. Despite, the high intensity, Head Coach
Gad Espinosa, was able to keep the players focused on getting a result against the Falcons.
Redeemer faces their rival on Saturday as the Mountaineers host the Royals at the Redeemer Sport Complex. Kick-off is set for 4pm.
The tie helps the Royals keep pace with the Falcons for first. Currently Fanshawe sits at 2-0-1 after 3 matches, while Redeemer is also undefeated at 1-0-1 with a game in hand.
