Ancaster, ON – The Redeemer Royals men's soccer team took on the Humber Hawks for their home opener on Thursday night.
The Hawks came out of the gate and pushed the game. Their illusive ball movement and ferocious attack kept the Royals on their heels. However, the Royals defense kept the ball out of harm's way. Zion Brown and Ante Labrovic led the defensive effort for Redeemer.
Humber had a heap of great opportunities, near-misses, goalposts, and mistimed passes that made for some thrilling action in front of goalkeeper Timo Sladakovic, who was forced to make some incredible stops to help keep the game level.
However, Redeemer's good fortunes defensively would soon come to a close, as Humber's Michael Crocco buried a free kick to make it 1-0. That'd be the lead that Humber would take into the half.
The second half is where it began to fall apart for the Royals. Just 4 minutes in, Humber would score on a great connection between Humber's Smith and Pinto to double the advantage. In the 60th minute, Pinto would bury his first to put the game out of reach.
The game was physical from the start, with both teams trying to make their presence felt, and both teams taking more than a few fouls.
The Hawks would add two more in the final ten minutes, as the Royals fall 5-0.
The men's soccer team looks to bounce back on Wednesday against the Sheridan Bruins.
