It had the atmosphere of a big game but when all was said and done the Royals men's soccer team struggled for the third game in a row. The visiting Fanshawe Falcons (2-0-1) proved to much for the Royals (0-3-0) as they took the home opener by a score of 5-1.

The Royals got off to a difficult start as Fanshawe struck early and often. Milos Janikic got Fanshawe on the board in the sixth minute and goals by Cedric N'Guessan (10th minute) and Robert Mboko (15th minute) had the Royals in a huge hole at 3-0 very early in the game. From there the Royals seemed to gain their composure and settle down. A couple quick strikes on net including a diving save by Fanshawe's keeper Luke Arthur on Redeemer Jordan Bokma and a a shot of the post by Redeemer's Dirk VanSoelen gave some life to the Royals. The score was 3-0 at half.

Eric Miedema got the Royals on the board in the 58th minute and down by two it looked like Redeemer was right back in the game. Unfortunately, Fanshawe spoiled and momentum five minutes later when Cedric N'Guessan scored his second of the match and gave Fanshawe a 4-1 lead. The Falcons grabbed one more goal in the 79th minute when Milos Janikic netted his second of the game.

The winless Royals now have a huge uphill climb facing them. Redeemer hosts Conestoga College and Mohawk College on Friday and Saturday in a few must win games for the Royals. Kick off on Friday is at 6 p.m. while the match gets underway on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Source: Redeemer University College