Jonas Worth is becoming more and more familiar with hospital staff but it hasn't dampened the outlook he has on the Quest University Kermodes men's soccer club.
The Kermodes played to a scoreless draw in their season opener against the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves on Sunday (Sept. 11) and the Quest coach said he was pleased with his team's effort despite losing key defender Charles Impey to a rib injury in the game.
"If it hadn't been for the injury I'd have been extremely pleased," Worth said, noting the team also lost defender Jonathon Friedman to a broken leg in the pre-season. "It was the type of game where the boys did nearly everything right."
Worth pointed out that UNBC failed to register a shot on target but they also did a good job shutting down some of the Quest forwards.
"They certainly made us think about every shot," he said. "We hit the crossbar a few times and had a number of corners, but to play that way against last year's provincial finalists is huge."
Worth said other players have been stepping up in the absence of Impey and Friedman.
"Our first-year centre back Benjamin Schager has been wise and skillful well beyond his years," he said. "Benjamin MacGregor has taken on all the responsibilities I've given him and he's got incredible leadership."
According to Worth, first-year strikers Kevin Berna and Peter Cooper also looked good in their regular-season debuts.
"Berna has surprised me in every game," he said. "He has the ability to take players on and set up chances for us. And Cooper was impressive again. He's going to give me a real selection problem as the season goes on because I'm not sure I'm going to be able to keep him on the bench."
Worth also announced the recruiting of Daniel Kline, a player that he hopes will help ease the loss of Friedman. As for Impey, Worth said his status will be determined after results from his X-rays are revealed. He added that the team should be ready for the re-match with UNBC, which takes place on Saturday (Sept. 17).
"I expect it to be physical and scrappy again next week," he said. "Our confidence is incredible right now and when people come to our home games, we hope to score goals and be entertaining and efficient."
The women's team also pitched a shutout against UNBC but exploded for four goals in the biggest offensive outburst in the history of the program.
Krigi Marti, Mari Tarleton, Tanner Batchelor and Jamey Wessels scored for the Kermodes, with Tianna Gilchrist picking up the shutout.
The win vaults the lady Kermodes into first place in the newly named Pacific Western Athletic Association (PacWest).
Both teams will host UNBC at Quest University on Saturday (Sept. 17). The women hit the field at 1 p.m., while the men kick off at 3 p.m.
For more information on Quest Athletics, visit www.questkermodes.ca.
