When you have them at your club, it can make a world of difference.
Moama Echuca Border Raiders soccer club have found those in men’s captain Mitchell Lagenbacher and Women’s skipper Natalie Sands.
The pair have started 2019 in tremendous fashion as their side’s have claimed two wins from two.
La Trobe University became the Border Raiders’ latest victim as the men and women’s teams claimed 3-0 and 5-3 victories respectively.
Lagenbacher provided a cool head in his side’s victory as he converted two penalties, to take his season tally to four.
‘‘To outclass the keeper twice shows the class he possesses,’’ club president Darryl Brown said.
While he doesn’t wear the captain’s armband, defender James Brown once again proved why he is highly respected by his teammates.
The visitors’ frontline possessed blistering pace, but Brown relished the challenge, breaking down several dangerous attacks.
‘‘James has been outstanding in the opening games of the season,’’ Darryl Brown said.
‘‘He’s a player who you can always rely on.’’
In the women’s Sands was just as effective, scoring inside two minutes to set the tone for the remainder of the match.
‘‘Nat is always leading by example,’’ Brown, who is also the club’s women coach, explained.
‘‘She won’t ask any of her teammates to do anything she wouldn’t.
‘‘You can always rely on her to lift the team with a moment of brilliance.’’
For the second week running, the Border Raiders faced off against a side who failed to take the field with a team of 11.
Despite the numerical advantage, it was again a polished display from the home side.
‘‘It was all about moving the ball around as much as possible,’’ Brown said.
‘‘We knew that we would have the fresh legs so we wanted to take advantage of that.
‘‘To the girls credit, again they stuck to the game plan and didn’t become selfish.’’
The Border Raiders will return to action following the Easter break on April 28 when they travel to Eaglehawk SC.