Jefferson Hagen / MacEwan Athletics
With the minutes winding down and the Griffins searching for the tying goal late in their contest at Mount Royal University last Sunday, Josh Samuel had an open look at the cage.
"We were just trying to find an equalizer; they were down one guy," the Griffins men's soccer team captain said. "I saw the ball come down and I just tried to concentrate as much as I could so I could get it on target. A lot of people said it wasn't going on target, but it went into the back of the net, so I'll take it."
But he did make an admission a couple of days later. The shot, which deflected into the goal, setting up a 3-2 MacEwan victory, might have gone off teammate Jose Cruz.
"It actually went off one of our own players, but I'll take it as my goal," he chuckled.
Regardless of who scored it, the result is one the Griffins (1-1-0) have been able to build off all week as they prepare for their home-opening weekend against Saskatchewan (2-0-0) on Saturday and Lethbridge (0-2-0) on Sunday (both games at noon, Jasper Place Bowl – 9200 163 St NW). Admission is free.
"They're doing really well. We're very pleased with them as a staff thus far," said head coach Adam Loga. "They're starting to become more in sync and together every day, which is great to see. Hopefully we just (build) off last weekend's momentum through to this weekend."
Samuel, as always, will factor big into the Griffins' fortunes. The defender/midfielder logged an impressive 1,376 minutes in 16 games in 2016, which, if you do the math, means he was only on the bench for a combined 64 minutes the entire regular season. That mark is the third-most in Griffins men's Canada West soccer history.
"He's got an engine and he's grown to be one of our more consistent guys," said Loga of the fourth-year player, who logged back-to-back 90-minute efforts in the season-opening road trip.
"Since our staff's come in, he's been consistent, so you trust what he can do out there and know what you're getting. I think that's a huge asset to have as a footballer and one we appreciate as a staff."
Samuel also has good feet, which helps drive the Griffins' possession-style game. For his part, he feels he can also bring leadership and communication, qualities that lead to success for the Griffins all over the pitch.
"I would just say sticking to my own game, knowing what you're good at and not deviating from that (is my style)," he said. "I don't try to do anything I know I can't do. I just stick to what I can do and try to put in a good shift every game."
Samuel is set to start on a solid backline that will also include newcomer Sheldon Prasad. Captain for both Team Alberta at the Canada Summer Games and FC Edmonton Academy, the local product will see his first action for the Griffins this weekend.
"He brings stability, he's very technically sound," said Loga. "He runs the line well. He whips in a good ball and his service is great.
"He's a young guy, but he brings a wealth of experience, coming from the FC Edmonton Academy and captaining a team like that at a prestigious tournament at the Canada Summer Games."
Prasad's injection into the lineup will help the Griffins fend off two hungry opponents this weekend as Saskatchewan looks to remain undefeated and Lethbridge is after its first win. The Huskies took six points out of a home series against Lethbridge last weekend.
"We just need to come out and play our game," said Loga. "What we've been preaching to the lads is a 90-minute game goes in waves.
"Very few teams can dominate from the opening whistle to the final whistle. We have to absorb the pressure to be successful when that occurs. When it's our turn to ride the wave, we need to put them under and take advantage of that."
Both games this weekend will be streamed live on Canada West TV.
