The U16 girls Rage soccer team made history over the weekend, becoming the first Drumheller U16 girls team to win the district final, and now have a chance to shine at the provincial level.
The Rage had a tough road to the final playing two games in one afternoon, however they were able to push their way through the semifinals, and eventually defeated the number one seed, all the while never conceding a goal.
“I was really proud for the girls and happy for them because they achieved a first for Drumheller,” said coach Gavin Makse.
The Rage started out the afternoon on Saturday, June 20 playing Didsbury in Linden. While the Rage was typically tough on defense, their offensive output was limited. They had a number of chances, but ended the regulation play tied 0-0 with Didsbury.
“It was frustrating in this game because we had so many scrums in front of the net and either there was a missed ball or it hit someone and it’s blocked,” said Makse.
The teams went to a shoot-out and after five shooters, the two teams were still tied with two successful shots. Emilie Toews and Maddie Davies each scored for the Rage.
The action intensified as the shoot-went to sudden death. It took until the 10th shooter before Madison Dube scored the winner.
The Rage had no time to celebrate because they were on the road to Acme to play the final against the number one seed Cremona.
Coach Makse said the play was very even throughout the match. The teams played to a draw for 74 minutes before the stalemate was broken. Interestingly enough it was Madison Colberg, who came up from the U14 team that was set up on a scoring chance, the goalie came out to challenge, and Colberg slid the ball past the goaltender.
Cremona challenged, but Drumheller held on for 16 more minutes and the win.
“Our defense was strong as they have been all year and our goaltending was solid,” said Makse, adding the Rage have only conceded one goal in eight games.
“Our midfielders and forwards have gotten better all year.”
The Rage carry a squad of 20, and every able player played in both the semifinal and the final.
The Rage now have a chance at the provincial finals come July 3 and 4 in Beaumont Alberta. This tournament will match the Rage against the best teams in rural Alberta. Makse will not be there to coach, but assistant coach Dave Rogers will attend. “Girls soccer has really come a long way in Drumheller,” said Makse.