The Selkirk Strikeforce grabbed their first win of the 2024 Manitoba Major Soccer League season Tuesday night.
The name Strikeforce may ring a bell to soccer fans in Selkirk who have paid attention in past MMSL seasons.
This year’s club is a combination of two former Selkrik soccer teams.
The Tri S Strikeforce and Selkirk FC were two individual MMSL teams that played home games at Selkirk Recreation Complex over the years.
In recent seasons, both clubs have struggled with attendance, often having only one or two substitute players and struggling with fatigue almost every game.
This winter, the clubs made a significant change, merging into one “super team” with players from both clubs.
They combined the two names Selkirk FC and Tri S Strikeforce to form “Selkirk Strikeforce,” which pays tribute to both clubs.
As they began playing in their indoor winter league this year, the newly formed club took off, winning their division championship while having a full bench of substitute players.
As play has kicked off in the MMSL’s regular season, the extra few months of winter soccer have helped the team prepare for the steep competition they are facing in Division 3A this season.
The club had a rocky start in its first two matches of the season, dropping its opener 3-2 to the Hanover Sting and drawing its second match last week to Dunvegan Castle.
Both matches were ones the club still wishes they could have back as they were competitive in both, dominating much of the play but still falling short on the scoreboard.
Then came Tuesday’s match against WPG B FC when it all came together for the Strikeforce.
The club made contributions up and down the lineup and could rip into WPG B FC’s defence to score six goals en route to a 6-2 smacking.
Jordan Bruenig, Aaron Bell, Yaya Ramadan Adam, Devin Racicot, and Garion Leftchuk had goals for Strikeforce, with Bell netting two in the game.
Assitant coach Kris Pellaers said the club had recently worked on a new playing system, which he said was well-executed in the match.
“We just played like a team in every aspect,” said Pellaers. “From goalie to strikers. We’re sticking away from using the outside so we’re trying to stick into the middle down the gut. We’re getting used to the new formation and making it work for us.”
The win was a massive boost of confidence for the club, which needed a victory to move out of the lower half of the league standings.
They now have a share of fifth place in Division 3A, with 13 games left this season.
“If we play like we did Tuesday against any team, we’ll probably end up at the top of the list,” said Pellaers. “We’re just catching our stride, and if we keep heading in this direction, we’ll hit the top in no time.”
Strikeforce’s next match will be at home Monday night against the YFC Saints, who are currently second in the league.
This will be the second time this season they play a top-three team after the loss to the Sting on opening day.
“We’re just wanting to go out and have fun and get some touches on the ball,” said Pellaers. “It’s always more fun when you’re winning.”
Kick-off on Monday will go at 7:30 p.m. at Selkirk Recreation Complex.
Record Photos by Brett Mitchell
