FINAL WEEKEND A SHOWCASE FOR SUCCESS – AND REMAINING CHALLENGES – VOYAGEURS FACE

FINAL WEEKEND A SHOWCASE FOR SUCCESS – AND REMAINING CHALLENGES – VOYAGEURS FACE
October 22, 2024

LLOYDMINSTER & LAC LA BICHE – As they wrap up their 2024 season, the Portage College Voyageurs may want to pick up a can or two or Armor All to ensure that next year has a shinier finish. The men's soccer squad made great strides this season, playing close, exciting, competitive matches and not finishing in the conference standings basement for the first time in their five-year history. The next step is to finish, to bury more of their chances so more victories come their way.

 

A lack of finish proved costly during a pair of games to wrap up the season October 19 and 20. Taking on Lakeland College in Lloydminster, the Voyageurs found themselves down 4-0 thanks to an injured tender and some bad bounces. The second half was a different story, however, as the two squads played back-and-forth footie, with each side scoring a goal. Head Coach Macky Singh noted the 5-1 final score was not reflective of the competitiveness of the contest.

 

"We had the same amount of chances as Lakeland had but they put away their chances and we didn't," he said. "The game was really, really good but the scoreline just didn't reflect how the actual game went which is just one of those things sometimes."

 

A day later, facing perennial contender Keyano College with plenty to play for, the Voyageurs gave the Huskies all they could handle. In fact, Singh called it their best game of the season. The home squad generated several Grade A scoring chances – including a crossbar off a corner kick – but only Max Bazil managed to beat Keyano's keeper. Meanwhile, the Huskies capitalized on their scoring chances and left town with a 2-1 win and a spot in the playoffs next weekend.

 

"I think we had the same amount of shots as Keyano did but they put their two away and we didn't," said Singh. "Lucky hasn't gone our way this season but that's expected when you're at the bottom of the table."

 

The experienced head coach is optimistic the 2025 season will bring a better finish – and more victories – to the table. He is very proud of his players for the progress they made this season, particularly when comparing this year to previous seasons.

 

"I was really impressed with the attitude of the players," said Singh. "Looking at the results in the past – particularly last year – games like that would've been a blowout…To be able to go out and compete against Keyano at that level, it says a lot of for where we are in the men's program right now."

 

As the saying goes, to finish, you have to start somewhere. Singh likes where his team is starting from for next year.

 

"Now that we have a base – a solid base – I'll bring in more players to strengthen the squad up," he said. "I think we'll get some luck too so that, you know, instead of hitting the post, the ball will go in the net."

 

 

Players of the Game

 

October 19:

 

October 20: