Ryan Reisert

Ryan Reisert

The tenth-ranked McGill Redmen registered their second regular season victory in a fan-filled Molson Stadium for their home opener last Friday evening. Fifth-year striker George Banks proved unstoppable, lighting up the scoreboard with three headers that found the back of the net.

Head Coach David Simon was happy with his team’s progression during the game. “I’m pleased with the result,” Simon said. “I was not pleased with the first half. We looked nervous. It took the second half, and a bit more energy, to make a difference. Physically, we looked good in the second half. We took over the game.”

It took some time for both the Redmen and the Stingers to settle into the first half as both teams appeared tense in the back and forth play. Many of Concordia’s gaffes came in their half of the field, but McGill did not capitalize on these opportunities. The McGill defence, led by Alexis Pradie, a third-year transfer from Embry-Riddle, and fifth-year veteran Thomas Lucas, ensured thorough coverage as they consistently moved the ball to the offence. Pradie’s recruitment has been a coup for McGill, as he previously trained with the practice squad of Olympique Marseille of France’s Ligue 1 and was the 15th overall pick in January’s MLS supplemental draft, chosen by FC Dallas.

In the 27th minute of play, a cross from senior forward Axel Dovi connected with Banks as he headed the ball in for the first goal of the match. After play resumed, it took Concordia less than two minutes to reply with an equalizer off of a penalty kick. Sophomore midfielder Karim Haroun unleashed a precise shot past McGill goalkeeper Matthew Gilmour. For the rest of the first half, Concordia was forced to play defensively as the ball was controlled by the McGill offence. Redmen midfielder Cory Marcon was relentless in his efforts to move the ball up the field.

The second half saw a much more collected Redmen team as they continued their offensive campaign. In the 57th minute, Banks scored again, this time unassisted, as he headed the ball into the net. Less than ten minutes later, Banks completed his hat trick, assisted by a corner kick from Lucas and a header from Dovi. “He was decisive and ran hard,” Simon said, of Banks’ performance.

The Redmen offence saw more chances to score as the half continued, but Stingers keeper Nicholas Giannone showed consistency as he guarded the net from further Redmen attacks. The rivalry amongst the two teams was evident as numerous fouls were called on both ends and each side ended the game with two yellow cards.

“We really picked it up in the second half. We were winning every 50-50 ball,” Banks said. “Defensively, we didn’t give up any chances at all. I wouldn’t say our offensive touch was completely toned but it is going to get better as the year goes on. Everybody really gave it their all.”

This season, the Redmen roster is comprised mostly of seasoned veterans with six newcomers. “It’s the most experienced team McGill has had in a while,” Lucas said. “Also, our first-years coming in have proven a lot and they are ready to step into the game.”

The Redmen travelled to Quebec City on Sunday to face the conference powerhouse Laval Rouge-et-Or, and came away with a 3-2 victory. Their next game will be at home against the Sherbrooke Vert-et-Or on Sept. 23.