REDEEMER 2, NIAGARA 1 (FINAL)

Big crowds, big goals, and a big win stole the headlines last night as the Redeemer Royals men's soccer team opened up their season at home. The game was played at the brand new Redeemer Soccer Complex and was the first game played on the field for the men's team.

The many fans that showed up were not dissappointed as the Royals put on a show and won their season opener 2-1 over the visiting Niagara Knights in thrilling fashion.

Niagara opened the scoring in the first half with a 43rd minute header by Jordan Arnott and entered half time up 1-0. However, the second half was where all the drama began.

The beginning of the second half was even with chances coming from both sides but slowly the Royals began to gain momentum backed behind a big crowd. Then in the 77th minute, 4th year veteran Taylor Prins evened up the score after entering the game a few minutes before. The goal, the first by a men's soccer player on the new field sparked the Royals and the crowd and gave the Royals the momentum for the final minutes. After a number of key saves by Royals goalkeeper Ezra Branderhorst, 4th year Jeremy Stevens wired a shot from just outside the 18 yard box in the 89th minute. The Knights keeper got a finger on it but not enough to deflect the shot out and the ball found the back of the net giving the Royals the lead with just minutes to go. The men's team was able to close out the final few minutes with the energetic crowd cheering them and hang on for the 2-1 win.

The Royals now turn their attention to a busy weekend with games on both Friday against Lambton College and Saturday against St. Clair College.

Source: Redeemer University College