Vincent Vanasch put on an incredible show in goal to lead Soorma Hockey Club to a narrow 4-3 win over Kalinga Lancers in Hero Hockey India League 2024-25. The intense match unfolded on Sunday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
Jeremy Hayward (11th minute), Nicolas della Torre (35th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (50th minute), and Harish Somappa (52nd minute) scored for Soorma Hockey Club. Meanwhile, Thierry Brinkman (5th minute), Sanjay (30th minute), and Gursahibjit Singh (50th minute) found the net for the Lancers.
First Quarter Action
At the start, the Lancers dominated possession. They frequently entered the circle and applied pressure on Soorma’s defense. Consequently, they struck early in the 5th minute. Thierry Brinkman scored after combining with Enrique Gonzalez on a swift counter-attack. His precise dribbling and finishing put the Lancers ahead.
Soon after, Soorma earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 10th minute. Although they missed both attempts, they didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough. In the 11th minute, Jeremy Hayward converted a penalty corner with a drag flick that deflected off Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sanjay into the net.
However, the Lancers responded just before the first quarter ended. Sanjay fired a sharp drag flick during a penalty corner, regaining the lead at 2-1.
Second Quarter Opportunities
In the second quarter, the Lancers had a golden chance to extend their lead. Nicolas Bandurak broke free but couldn’t beat Vanasch in a one-on-one situation. Vanasch showed his experience, closing down the angle and making the save. Bandurak’s follow-up shot hit the post and went wide.
Towards the end of the quarter, Soorma pressed forward. Although they earned a penalty corner, the Lancers’ defense held firm. Arthur van Doren made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Soorma an equalizer.
Second Half Drama
After halftime, Soorma came out stronger. In the 35th minute, Nicolas della Torre converted their fifth penalty corner. His drag flick soared into the top corner, leveling the match at 2-2.
Meanwhile, the Lancers tried to regain control. In the 40th minute, they earned a penalty corner, but Vanasch denied Alexander Hendrickx’s drag flick. The Lancers also had a goal disallowed after a review found no evidence of a touch by Gursahibjit Singh.
Exciting Fourth Quarter
As the fourth quarter began, both teams created chances. In the 50th minute, Harmanpreet Singh finally opened his account in the league. His powerful drag flick went straight down the center, giving Soorma a 3-2 lead.
However, the Lancers struck back almost immediately. Gursahibjit Singh converted a brilliant pass from Antoine Kina, making it 3-3.
Just two minutes later, Soorma regained the lead. Phil Roper dribbled past defenders and passed to Harish Somappa, who slid in to score. Soorma went up 4-3, putting the pressure back on the Lancers.
Final Moments
In the dying minutes, the Lancers threw everything into their attack. They earned a penalty stroke in the 58th minute after Vivek Sagar Prasad fouled Aran Zalewski. Hendrickx stepped up but couldn’t beat Vanasch, who made a stunning save.
With seconds left, the Lancers won another penalty corner. Hendrickx took the shot, but Vanasch blocked it again. Soorma held on to secure a hard-fought victory.
Player of the Match
Vincent Vanasch earned the Player of the Match award for his exceptional saves. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “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.”
