HIL 2024-25: Vincent Vanasch’s Key Saves Propel Soorma Past Kalinga Lancers

Rourkela, Jan 5 (NationPress) Vincent Vanasch showcased an exceptional goalkeeping performance, leading Soorma Hockey Club to a 4-3 victory against Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday.

Jeremy Hayward (11`), Nicolas della Torre (35`), Harmanpreet Singh (50`) and Harish Somappa (52`) found the back of the net for Soorma, while Thierry Brinkman (5`), Sanjay (30`) and Gursahibjit Singh (50`) scored for the Lancers.

Despite the Lancers achieving 26 circle penetrations and nine shots compared to Soorma’s 14 circle penetrations and seven shots, it was Vanasch’s remarkable saves that were pivotal in securing Soorma’s victory.

The home team began with intensity, applying pressure to Soorma’s defense through numerous circle entries early in the game. They rightfully took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to Thierry Brinkman.

Capitalizing on a counterattack, Enrique Gonzalez and Brinkman executed a 2v1, with the Dutch captain displaying excellent dribbling and 3D skills to navigate past Harmanpreet Singh and Nicolas della Torre before slipping the ball past Vanasch.

Soorma responded with their first penalty corners in the 10th minute after a quick counter initiated by Jeremy Hayward. The Lancers successfully defended the initial attempt, while Soorma wasted the second due to a mishap in trapping the injection.

Just a minute later, Soorma leveled the match via a penalty corner. This time, the injection was directed to Hayward at the second battery, and despite Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sanjay attempting to block the Australian’s drag flick, the ball deflected off them and into the goal.

The Lancers earned a penalty corner right before the end of the first quarter, changing their strategy by injecting the ball to Sanjay at the second battery instead of the more seasoned Alexander Hendricks. The young Indian executed a perfect drag flick, granting his side a lead just as the quarter concluded.

In the 21st minute, the Lancers almost extended their advantage to 3-1, but Vanasch was there to deny Nicolas Bandurak. The Belgian keeper expertly closed the angle, making a crucial save.

Soorma had a strong possession near the end of the quarter and nearly equalized, but the Lancers' defense was resolute, blocking Harmanpreet’s drag flick and clearing the ball off the line.

Early in the second half, Soorma regained parity by winning their fifth penalty corner in the 35th minute, with Della Torre sending a drag flick into the top corner.

The Lancers had another chance to reclaim the lead in the 40th minute through a penalty corner, but Vanasch once again thwarted Hendrickx’s drag flick and saved Antoine Kina’s follow-up attempt.

A potential Lancers goal in the 42nd minute was reviewed by the TV umpire but deemed invalid, as no conclusive evidence showed Gursahibjit Singh had directed the ball towards the goal.

Despite several chances towards the end of the quarter, the Lancers failed to convert.

In the fourth quarter, Soorma almost took the lead when Gurjant Singh made space for a tomahawk shot, but it went just wide.

The Lancers threatened again in the 48th minute, with Bandurak attempting a shot from close range, but the alert Vanasch made another crucial save.

Harmanpreet finally opened his account in the Hockey India League in the 50th minute, firing a drag flick straight into the goal, putting Soorma ahead for the first time.

However, the lead was short-lived as the Lancers responded with a goal from Gursahibjit Singh, who converted Kina’s cutback after dribbling past Harmanpreet.

Just a moment later, Soorma reclaimed the lead. Phil Roper maneuvered through defenders and passed to the far post, where Harish Somappa slid in to push the ball into the empty net, making it 4-3 in the 52nd minute.

Although the Lancers earned two penalty corners afterward, neither Hendrickx nor Sanjay could convert.

In the 57th minute, Roper had a chance to score again but shot past the wrong side of the post after Gurjant Singh’s initial shot was saved.

The Lancers were awarded a penalty stroke in the 58th minute, but Vanasch emerged victorious in the duel against Hendrickx, saving his attempt.

Desperate for an equalizer, the Lancers removed Pathak for an extra outfield player. With little time remaining, they won another penalty corner, but Vanasch was there again to deny Hendrickx as Soorma clinched the win.

The Player of the Match, Vincent Vanasch, commented, “Penalty strokes are always a bit about luck. I chose the right side. It was a tough match with seven goals, but I am happy we got the three points.”