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RDC Queens edged by UAA Vikings

Queens host the Ambrose University Lions next Sunday
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RDC Queens defender Rebecca McBride slides for a tackle on the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings Abby Gisi late in the second half of Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference play at RDC on Sunday. (Photo by BYRON HACKETT/Advocate Staff)

The RDC Queens gave the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings all they could handle Sunday.

After the Vikings jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, it was all Queens for the majority of the contest but they were unable to find the equalizer late in the game.

RDC missed a free kick that went off the crossbar, a header that sailed just over the net, both late in the second half– and a missed breakaway with less than a minute left in the game. All that resulted in a narrow 3-2 loss for the home side on a chilly afternoon in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference play.

“It was one of those games where we just couldn’t finish. We dominated the game, we had possession– we had everything and I had to congratulate the girls they really put forward a good performance. Just no luck, ” said RDC Queens coach Esad Alkaz.

Kara Strange buried a pair of goals for the Vikings in the first half, before the Queens got one back from second-year Alisha Coules at the 45-minute mark.

Anna Goulard scored for UAA early in the second half and from there the Queens pressed and were relentless in creating chances, they just couldn’t find the back of the net.

That was until Natalie Frenette, the second-year midfielder from Red Deer converted a scramble in front of the Vikings goalie to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Coules had the breakaway when she burst past a pair of UAA defenders, but just before she got the shot off was bumped off the ball.

RDC pushed two players up to forward after they got within a goal to try and tie the game.

“I left Natalie to use both sides to create a spark and I was pretty sure if we scored the tying goal we would win the game. We were so close,” said Alkaz.

“How many chances (were there) to just stick your feet and it would go in… I’m proud of them, nothing more we can do.”

Mikayla Fujimoto was the player of the game for the Queens, and Alkaz said she is started to find the form that helped her capture the ACAC Rookie of the Year award last season.

“That’s the best game Mikayla has played this season. She was rookie of the year. (Sunday) she dominated, she controlled the middle, she passed the ball, she played a great game,” Alkaz added.

Sydnee Dallyn was player of the game for the Vikings.

With the loss Sunday, the Queens are 2-4 on the ACAC season and have six games remaining.

Saturday, RDC was scheduled to play against the SAIT Trojans in Calgary but the game was canceled because of snow.

Next Sunday, the Queens welcome the Ambrose University Lions, with kickoff set for 12 p.m.



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Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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