By Scott Roblin

Rattlers split games in Olds to open 2018 soccer season

Sep 8, 2018 | 6:40 PM

OLDS, AB – The 2018 collegiate season finally got underway for the Medicine Hat College Rattlers on Saturday, kicking off a new school year with soccer against the Olds College Broncos.

The Rattlers men’s team opened the 2018 campaign on a strong note, scoring a pair of goals in the first half to pick up a 2-0 shutout victory in their season opener.

Forward Alosious Kun netted the first goal of the new season for Medicine Hat, jumping on a loose ball in the 21st minute and scoring on the far side.

On a free kick just over 10 minutes later, defender Connor Ismond was able to pounce on a rebound to score his first goal of the year to make it 2-0.

Rattlers goalkeeper Joao Vitor Duz Batista only faced one shot from the Broncos all afternoon, earning a clean sheet in the Medicine Hat victory.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

The women’s team meanwhile ran out of gas in the second half against Olds College, dropping a 2-1 decision to open their season.

Like in the men’s contest, the Rattlers drew first blood with a free kick from Aleena Matthews in the 20th minute rolling into the cage to put Medicine Hat ahead 1-0.

The Rattlers kept a 1-0 score through the opening half, but Olds was able to knot up the match with a goal from Felicia Rodney in the 64th minute.

Just as the game seemed like it might end in a draw, Rodney received a pass from Paige Whitehead and was able to beat Medicine Hat’s Kassidy Suberlak to score the game-winner.

Suberlak allowed two goals on eight shots in the defeat, while Matthews led the Rattlers with a pair of shots was named her team’s player of the game.

Medicine Hat continues their season opening road swing on Sunday, as they head south to battle the powerhouse SAIT Trojans in a pair of games.