Anneke De Klerk Scores Twice In USports Scoring Debut
The Lethbridge Pronghorns Women’s Soccer team faced off against the UofA Panda’s for the second time this weekend at UofL Community Stadium today. The Horns would drop the contest 4-2 to the visitors after picking up a W to start the series on Saturday, however the game was not without some big moments for Lethbridge. In particular, second year Horn Anneke De Klerk put up her first and second USports tallies to take over the Horns single-game scoring lead on the season. “It felt pretty good.” Anneke tells the Lethbridge Sports team of finding the back of the net in the 56th minute, “It was my first USport goal with the Pronghorns so it was nice to get under my belt. I think a lot had to do with the wind but it was quite nice to earn a goal.”
The goal marked a turning point in the match, with the Horns taking control of the second half from that point on putting up 2 goals in the 2nd half while holding UofA to a single tally. “I think after the first goal the entire team picked up our tempo. It was just a matter of time before we put in the second goal and I was glad it was me. It was very much a team effort.” Kaleigh Harris picked up assists on both goals, playing an instrumental part in putting the ball on De Klerk’s golden laces both times.
Anneke acknowledges that despite her best career game to date, the team did post a loss. “Unfortunate as the loss was, I think we stepped off the field putting a fight up against them. They gave it to us a bit in the first half but we didn’t give up and didn’t leave them without any goals against.”
Today’s game against UofA comes after the Horns recorded their first Win of the season against the same UofA squad yesterday. Anneke shares with us that the win to start the weekend was a big moment for the club. “I think for us it gave us a bit more hope as to how we’re going to do for the rest of the season. We can’t change the past but going forward having the W is super nice. What we’re being coached is working it’s just taken time to get things going.” Anneke refers to new head coach Macky Singh this season, who also recorded his first W with the team yesterday against UofA. For her own part, Anneke has adjusted to a couple of position changes on the field since signing with the Horns, something she’s had to challenge herself to work with and get used to the requirements of different roles on the field.
Despite her overall positive review of the weekend, Anneke does admit to there being challenges against UofA this weekend. “The toughest part of today was keeping a positive mindset. They’re a very mental sort of team. They get in your head. The mental battle was huge for me,” she tells us.
Anneke is off to a good USports start as she is midway through her second year of playing eligibility.The 3rd year Biochem major has aspirations to parlay her academic career into a spot in medical school, with eventual hopes to become a family physician.”Whether that will happen we’ll see.” She laughs. “But family medicine is an interest for sure.” Anneke is supported in her academic and athletic aspirations by her parents, who she refers to as her biggest supporters and number one fans.
Anneke wraps the interview with us with a clear message. “The Pronghorns women’s soccer shouldn’t be underestimated.” The 2021 season has been a rebuilding period of the club as they’ve returned from the COVID break and adjusted to the new team and coaching style, but she sees the team as being contenders for the 2022 season.
All our photos from the game can be viewed here