It’s been a long time since Steinbach’s top soccer team last took to the field at the Steinbach Soccer Park. That long wait was over May 14, as the Hanover Kickers lost a 4-2 decision to Goals City FC.

Although the name and jerseys are the same, the team which earned promotion to Manitoba’s top level of men’s soccer in 2020 is very different than the one that took the pitch in 2023.

These Kickers, back playing in division 1 instead of the premier division, were put together based on new players ready to continue their soccer exploits.

“In the past it had been older players, and we wanted to try and put a group together that had young players,” coach Norm Anderson said.

“We’ve got a 17-year-old, a couple of 18-year-olds, two 19-year-olds, and there’s some good experience as well. I think it’s a decent blend.”

Anderson said the team didn’t have much of a pre-season, and that showed in the opening match.

Although Simard Gaetan was able to give the home team the lead early in the first half, they appeared outmatched, quickly conceding twice to give up the lead.

The team struggled to play through the midfield throughout the first half, only looking dangerous in transition.

While the Kickers looked to be the better team in the second half, they lacked finish, and gave up two more goals as players searched for an equalizer.

“We trained indoors, we couldn’t get outdoors, and then there was a little bit of a break, we just don’t have the facilities like they do in Winnipeg,” Anderson said on the team’s spring training.

“Just some simple errors let (Goals City) back into (the game).”

The clinching goal came off the boot of Geershom Odimegwu, his second of the game. He put a Hanover defender in knots, travelling half the length of the field on a spectacular individual run before slotting the ball past keeper Jordan Walker.

“We need (the players) to develop, and there’s only one place they’re going to develop and that’s on that field right there,” Anderson said.

“Doing their best, playing along guys who know a little bit more and have a little more experience, and we will come through.”

Anderson added he expects the team to grow into the season, just as they grew into their first match of the season.

“There’s no goal to make premier, we just want to get the team together, become competitive and I think we will be competitive in a couple, three games,” Anderson said.

The Kickers will have no home games in the rest of May, but will return to the pitch in Steinbach in June. The up to date schedule for all teams in the Manitoba Major Soccer League can be found at mmsl.goalline.ca.