MSOC | Kodiaks close out winning weekend at home

October 7, 2018 – The Medicine Hat College Rattlers traveled west to meet their rivals from Lethbridge College in what was more than just another Highway 3 derby.

With both teams tied for third place with 4-3-1 records, the victor would jump into the final south division playoff spot and be in control of their own destiny for the stretch drive of the season.

Despite being down a goal early, the Kodiaks used home field advantage and a late second half goal to steal a 2-1 win and take sole possession of third place. 

Staying true to the expectedly close match-up, the Kodiaks and Rattlers battled back-and-forth action in a game that lacked flow and structure.

The game swung mightily during a five minute stretch early in the first half. 

Lethbridge's Jimmy Bukuru had the first major scoring chance twenty minutes in. He took a cross from Wilson Ntignee and struck a powerful redirection that was destined for twine until Rattlers goalkeeper Joao Vitor Duz Batista dove to his right in desperation and managed to keep it out.

Taking momentum from the big save, Rattler's forward Colton Pacheco opened the scoring, putting away a pass from Alosious Kun to give MHC the coveted early lead. 

Medicine Hat seemed destined to enter the half with the lead until Lethbridge's leading scorer Wilson Ntignee got taken down in the area during stoppage time. He buried his penalty kick for his team leading sixth goal of the season, pulling the teams level at the break.

Lethbridge outshot the Rattlers 11-2 in the opening 45 minutes, and continued to push as the second half moved onwards. 

Ultimately, it was a Kodiaks substitution that turned the game in Lethbridge's favour. 

Coming on in the 73rd minute, Charles Igwebuike scored on his first touch just two minutes later in what became the game winning goal.

Igwebuike took a lead pass from Tyler Bolen, streaked down the right wing and put a way a top shelf marker to give the Kodiaks a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish. 

With the win the Kodiaks record advances to 5-3-1 while the Rattlers fall to 4-4-1.

The Kodiaks are back in action October 13, 2018 as they take on the Ambrose Lions in Calgary.

Players of the Game:

Rattlers – #11 Colton Pacheco

Kodiaks – #15 Ben Knight