Kodiaks fight for first place as ACAC soccer season wraps up

Oct. 17, 2019 – As the ACAC regular season wraps up, both Lethbridge College Kodiaks soccer teams have a chance to finish the year at the top of the ACAC south division.

The Kodiaks women’s team controls its own destiny, as the club sits alone in first place with two games remaining. The club is ranked 14^th in Canada and is trying to clinch top spot for the first time since its national championship season in 1994.

Meanwhile, the men’s team enters the weekend in second place, two points back of first place SAIT. The Kodiaks men’s team also sit 14^th in the CCAA national rankings. 

The Kodiaks wrap up the season on the road as the teams visit Red Deer College on Saturday and then the University of Alberta – Augustana on Sunday.

WOMEN’S SOCCER 

Kodiaks (7-1-2) vs Queens (4-6-0) – Noon Saturday at Red Deer College
Kodiaks (7-1-2) vs Vikings (5-5-0) – Noon Sunday at U of A – Augustana 

The Kodiaks women’s team needs just two points this weekend to clinch first place in the ACAC south division and a first-round playoff bye.

While the team has used a balanced offensive attack throughout the season, each of the last two games have been led by outstanding individual performances. Haylie Shoults (second year, Massage Therapy, Williams Lake, B.C.) had a hat trick in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Medicine Hat, while Vicki Noronha (fifth year, General Studies, Brooks) added three of her own in a 7-1 victory against Ambrose University on Tuesday. Noronha leads the Kodiaks with six goals this season. 

While the Kodiaks have a playoff spot locked up, both of their opponents this weekend are trying to fight their ways in, as the Red Deer College Queens sit in sixth place and the Augustana Vikings are tied for fourth. 

Games begin at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. Results will be available on the ACAC website.

MEN’S SOCCER 

Kodiaks (7-1-2) vs Kings (6-3-1) – 2 p.m. Saturday at Red Deer College
Kodiaks (7-1-2) vs Vikings (2-8-0) – 2 p.m. Sunday at U of A - Augustana

The Kodiaks men’s soccer team enters the final weekend in second place in the ACAC south division and have already clinched an ACAC playoff berth.

Jimmy Bukuru (third year, General Studies, Lethbridge) leads the Kodiaks and is tied for the south division scoring lead with 10 goals this season. Sodiq Adekunle (second year, General Studies, Lethbridge) is close behind with eight goals. Meanwhile, netminder Cody Ferguson (fourth year, General Studies, Lethbridge) has allowed only six goals in 10 games and is tied for the ACAC lead with six shutouts.

A win over the third place Red Deer College Kings on Saturday will guarantee the Kodiaks at least second place in the south division. They’ll close out the season on Sunday against an Augustana team that will not qualify for the playoffs. 

Games begin at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Results will be available on the ACAC website.