After a tough regular 11v11 soccer season that allowed the Riverview Royals to practice and prepare, they got their shot at their own level over the weekend.
The team travelled to Bruno to compete in regionals against other 7v7 teams. On Friday, Bruno handed the Royals a 2-1 loss.
“We had a really good game,” said Riverview’s coach Jeff Kitts. “The same score as last year’s bronze medal game.”
Despite the loss, the Royals coach felt like the team improved greatly throughout the regular season that saw them competing against offensively skilled teams like Central Collegiate and Vanier Collegiate.
The strong winds played a factor in the game, but it was also the Royals inability to score.
“We played awesome. We out chanced them…we outplayed them. The wind played a major factor in the game and we just, once again, didn’t score on our chances,” stated Kitts.
Even though the Royals lost on Friday, they are hosting provincials this weekend, so they automatically got a spot. Three other teams will be in Moose Jaw to compete for the top spot — Cando (near North Battleford), Laval (Regina) and Stobart Community School from Duck Lake.
“It will be tough competition and there will definitely be some good teams,” he said. “We are going to have to play good team game and an all around game with offence and defence. We should have a shot at medaling if we score.”
The Royals are still without their keeper, Brennan Goski. Kitts is hoping that he will be ready to go for provincials. Goski was out for regionals, which may have caused some problems offensively.
“We had to put a few people in net and that shakes up the whole roster when you do that,” he stated. “That is the plan…we are going to tape him up and if he can move laterally, he will play. If he can’t, we will have to put someone else in there.”
The goal for the Royals is a medal, but they are happy with their season overall.
“This will be a good wrap up and hopefully we can come out with a positive and that’s a win,” said Kitts. “It has been a good year…it has been tough competition, that’s for sure.”
