Calgary Foothills FC fought back from a three goal deficit to win their first game of the 2017 Premier Development League (PDL) season against TSS FC Rovers in Calgary Friday night.
The hosts scored four unanswered goals, including an injury time winner by Ali Musse, to win 4-3 against the PDL Northwest Division new boys. TSS FC Rovers led 3-1 at halftime.
“We weren’t us first half,” said head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., following the match. “We didn’t start well. We gave them two early goals and it was our fault.”
“I said to the boys at halftime, every 15 minutes we’re going to change the way we play. We’re going to pinch back a goal and claw our way back. It sounds a bit of a cliché, but that’s exactly what they did. And the boys believed.”
Calgary Foothills FC midfielder Kyle Jones, who scored two penalties on the night, admitted the halftime dressing down, delivered by his coach, was deserved and necessary.
“Luckily we got a bollocking in the change room,” said Jones. “We came out stronger than we did in the first half. It was good.”
Wheeldon credited the entire team for the comeback but singled out Ali Musee, Chris Rushworth, Dean Northover for their efforts, as well Kyle Jones.
“Jonesy was cool as a cucumber to slot home the two penalties,” said Wheeldon.
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
While Jones said he took time to carefully place the first penalty, he conceded he took an alternate approach on the following spot kick.
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“The second one…just gotta hit the net,” laughed Jones after the game. “And the rest will take care of itself.”
Calgary Foothills FC’s Kyle Jones scores his second penalty against TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC and TSS FC Rovers face each other again this Sunday, and Wheeldon hopes his side has learned from their first meeting.
“We know, come Sunday, we have to start like we did second half,” he said. “And really take the game to them. And we’ve got to earn the right to play. I think that’s the lesson.”
The next match goes between Calgary Foothills FC and TSS FC is at Calgary Soccer Centre on Sunday May 7 at 2pm.
Calgary Foothills FC’s Ali Musse celebrates scoring the winner in injury time against TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Ajeej Sarkaria, of Calgary Foothills FC, scores against TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
Calgary Foothills FC vs TSS FC Rovers in Premier Development League (PDL) action in Calgary, Alberta Friday, May 5, 2017.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
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