Wallaceburg Sting Improving Despite Winless Start to Season

Under new coach, Kurtis Lubbers, the Wallaceburg Sting, seem to be buying into his tactic of becoming a more ball possession-type team, but it has come with its share of hardships. Under the new system, while we can feel the team improving and carrying more of the play, the results just haven’t show the same. The Sting have struggled out of the gate this season, currently with a record of 0-3-3 (wins-ties-loss). Despite a zero in the win column, the Sting remain optimistic that with time & familiarity to their system, results will soon reflect the progress they have towards controlling ball possession.

Last Saturday, July 2nd, the Sting played at home vs. the London Portuguese. The Sting came out strong early on, controlling play and generating several quality scoring chances, giving the impression it could be their first tally in the win column. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and play was halted at a 1-1 tie in the 32nd minute due to lightning, forcing the game to be re-played at a later date. Taylor McArthur had the Sting’s loan goal on quick break down the left wing, as he lobbed a bouncing ball overtop the attacking keeper.

Most recently, July 8th, the Sting were on the road to face the Sarnia Fury, the only team last season that they lost to both meetings against. The game saw both teams generate several good scoring chances and exchange control of the game, with the Sting’s Roberto Attardi and Phil Nywening generating plenty of chances down the right wing. The Fury got on the scoreboard first with a sharply placed ball in the bottom right corner from the top of the 18 yard box that left to Sting’s keeper with no chance. Shortly after, the Sting lost one of its top players, Kurtis Lubbers, to an injury that would force him out of the game. The Sting opened the 2nd half with a different formation in hopes to generate more scoring changes and it paid off. Midway through the second half, two of the Sting’s youngest players, stepped up and proved their worth. Mike Foster got behind the last defender and put a shot on net that the goalie was able to get a piece of, but Brandon Watson capitalized on the rebound and made no mistake by putting it in the back of the net. Both teams continued to exchange quality scoring opportunites but neither goalie would have any of it. Both goalies were the difference makers for their team, keeping it at a 1-1 draw when the final whistle blew. Game star for the Sting went to keeper Sam Youlton for his poise and game-saving stops.

The Sting’s next opportunity for a win will come against St, Thomas this Friday, July 15th, 7pm at Kinsmen Park