Hanover Kickers earn promotion on goal difference

From the beginning of the season, the Hanover Kickers knew they had the potential to rebound right back to Division 1 of the Manitoba Major Soccer League.

After getting relegated to Division 2 last season, the goal was to quickly advance back to the second-highest division of amateur soccer in the province and despite some bumps along the way, the team accomplished their goal, finishing second.

Kickers head coach Andreas Bergen was delighted the team could get over the line.

“Once we started putting the team together in early April, just looking at the roster I knew we had a really, really good team,” Bergen said.

“It was just being consistent in what we as coaches were trying to get throught to the players. Once the players actually bought into what we were trying to do, then it was believing in it and doing it over and over and over again.”

A late-season loss to third-place IPAC-Ukraine appeared to doom the team’s promotion hopes, but five consecutive wins after that result meant they needed a single point against United Punjab Sport Club Sept. 15. A 1-1 draw and top of the league goal difference of plus-45 meant the Kickers earned promotion despite being tied on points with IPAC-Ukraine.

Finishing in a tie for promotion meant every point, every goal this season mattered for the Kickers.

“The team itself, the players, they made huge steps on the mental aspect, getting mentally tough, mentally strong,” Bergen said.

“I think that’s what helped us out in some of the games to grind it out and get the win over the line.”

The season also saw a massive rise of fans attending Kickers games.

“It gives the players a boost,” Bergen said, thanking fans for their support throughout the season.

“They are part of the winning, the same as any player… We’re going to need that next year just as much as we did next year.”

Bergen said while no team hopes to get relegated, it may have been necessary for the Kickers to rise back up the ranks.

“We have to get the good, quality players we all know exist in Hanover, we have to start getting them to play and stay in Division 1,” Bergen said.

“The goal is still to be competing in (Premier Division) against the best of the best.”

The Kickers will be joined in Division 1 by the Niverville Force, who managed a late season surge to avoid a relegation finish themselves.