Lakenheath's Alicia Olmos takes a shot on goal while Ramstein Royals goalkeeper Carleigh Rivera goes for the save. Rivera had seven saves in the match played Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
RAF LAKENHEATH, England – The British Isles are certainly no strangers to royalty.
But, thanks to the coronavirus, Saturday was a new experience for almost all of the Lakenheath Lancers’ Royal visitors from Ramstein.
Five different players for the boys team scored as Ramstein met Lakenheath for the first time since 2019 and emerged 5-1 victors. The Royals’ girls squad also triumphed, 4-0.
Lakenheath's Mattias Sadler takes a shot against Ramstein while Royals goalkeeper Favian Pierre-Lous tries to stop him. Sadler scored the only goal for the Lancers in the 5-1 loss against Ramstein on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Ramstein Royals captain Benjamin Brewster breaks the Lakenheath Lancer defense and takes a shot on goal in a game played Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Boys
“We were all sleeping on the bus for 15 hours, so getting to play our first game in three years was something special,” Ramstein coach Dominik Ludes said. “All things considered, I think the team performed extremely well today.”
Royals’ captain Benjamin Brewster exemplified his coach’s sentiment and showed himself to be a dominant force in the center of the field. His ball handling sometimes drew multiple defenders, which allowed for openings his teammates took advantage of.
Brewster, Mattias Bailey, Tony Morales, Landen Shockey and Mason Gillespie all found the net for the Royals.
The Lancers did manage several shots on goal and scored on an explosive breakaway by Mattias Sadler. He kicked the ball under sliding Ramstein goalkeeper Favian Pierre-Lous.
“That one goal lets us know that we are capable of executing,” Lancer coach Jose Pumarejo said. “The effort they gave was superb.”
The teams will likely see each other again at the European championships May 16-19 in Germany.
Ramstein's Isabel Fischer takes a shot on Lakenheath's goal, defended by Lancers’ goalkeeper Chloe Aldrich on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Fischer led the Royals on offense, scoring two goals. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Ramstein's Alayna McConihay attempts a cross against Lakenheath on Saturday, April 16, 2022. This was the first game for both teams in the 2022 season. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Girls
Isabel Fisher scored twice and had assist as the Royals shut out the Lancers.
“It’s great to finally see these girls out on the pitch at full speed after not being able to play the last couple of years,” Royals coach Liz Farris said. “Can’t wait to build the team now they we officially know where to build up the girls from here.”
The Royals came out strong, applying pressure early with a goal from Fisher. They didn’t let up the rest of the way.
Even though the Lancers failed to score, they did have opportunities. Royals’ goaltender Carlie Rivera racked up seven saves.
“It was a tough loss for sure; I think we were hoping for better,” Lakenheath coach Debbie McFarland said. “But it gave us a good chance to see another Division I team and we can use this as a stepping stone when we face off with similar teams in Euros.”
Lakenheath's Heidi Amberson breaks the defense and takes a shot Saturday, April 16, 2022, in a game against Ramstein at RAF Lakenheath in England. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
