The Redeemer Royals Men's Soccer team opened up their 2019-2020 season Saturday afternoon against the visiting St. Clair Saints from Windsor. The Royals were out of sync early in the match, conceding 3 quick goals, and struggling to recover.
The Royals entered the match having split their last 2 meetings with the Saints. Redeemer earned a 2-1 victory last season in the Opener, before falling on the road 4-3 later in the season.
Redeemer was looking to keep their home undefeated streak going, having not lost in front of their home crowd in a league match in over a year.
Anticipating a close matchup on Saturday in the first game of the season, the home crowd was stunned after 3 quick goals by the Saints in the first 20 minutes. Redeemer was staring at a huge hole after the Saints Tyrone Mulder netted 2 of his 3 goals on the day for the Saints in the 18th and 19th minutes.
After conceding the 3rd, the Royals were able to settle down and play a more balanced game. Redeemer moved the ball well, creating their own chances but still struggling to finish.
After a scoreless 40 minutes, the Saints once again found the scoreboard when Bastien Aguilera made it 4-0 for St. Clair.
Mulder added his 3rd in the 85th minute on a penalty to put the Saints up 6-0.
Despite six goals against, Redeemer keeper Matthew Schoenmaker ended the day with a solid 10 saves on 29 shot attempts from the visitors.
Redeemer will look to put Saturday behind them when the host the Conestoga Condors Wednesday night in Ancaster. Game time is 6:00 PM.
The Condors enter the match with a 1-0 record having defeated the Lambton Lions on Saturday 3-2.
