‘Feeling buzzed’: Mountaineers notch another win to continue strong start to soccer season

The Mountaineers’ men’s soccer team defeated the Lambton Lions 2-1 at St. John Henry Newman High School on Friday (Sept. 22) to continue the good start they’ve had this season.

Mohawk found themselves ahead early with a goal in the 3rd minute from midfielder Nicholas Tavares as they cut through the Lambton defense, giving Lions goalkeeper Ben Crombeen little chance to save.

A yellow card was given to Lions defender Andrew Docherty just a minute later for arguing with the referee, something that would come up several times throughout the match. The Lions collected six yellow cards in total.

Lambton equalized halfway through the first half, with veteran midfielder Ky Duong scoring from a short distance from the net when a lofted cross found itself at his feet. Just 10 minutes after scoring, Duong would be one of the players to be shown a yellow card for arguing with the referee.

The Mountaineers scored the winning goal in the 61st minute from winger Blake Ellis, with earlier scorer Tavares earning himself an assist as Ellis put in his low cross.

Lambton remained competitive for the rest of the match, coming close to scoring several times but were unable to get past a strong Mohawk defence. Mountaineers goalkeeper Oliver Steinke made a heroic save in the last few minutes of the game to keep his team ahead, earning the Mountaineers their third win of the season.

“I’m feeling buzzed,” Steinke said after the game. “It’s nice to get away with three points and it was a good effort from everyone around. It was a good game.”

Steinke’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by his team.

“I think when you’ve got a goalkeeper who can make those saves, you always feel comfortable that he can bail you out if they get a chance,” head coach Jordan Brown said.” He’s done it in a few games for us, and the guys know he’s back there and can make big saves at big moments. It makes a huge difference and it really helps the team.”

Brown also commented on how his team has performed compared to the difficulties of last season.

“We’re a lot further ahead than we were at this point last year,” he said. “The guys are digging in and getting good results, there’s been a lot of good things so far.”

The victory brings Mohawk to two wins, one tie and one loss at the start of the season.

The Mountaineers’ men’s team play next against undefeated St. Clair College.