SCOTTDALE, AZ (November 9, 2003).
Chris Kane recorded his first hat-trick of the season when he accounted for all three Predators goals in a match filled with ups and downs.
Despite starting the match with 10 men, the Predators enjoyed a perfect start by taking the lead after nine minutes into the match.
Kane handled the ball just right of center and galloped passed the Serbs last defender to set up a one-on-one with their keeper. With no hesitation, Kane struck a devastating low drive that sunk into the bottom right corner.
The Predators became even more elated eight minutes later when Kane struck again. Fed by Michael Doane from the right, Kane skipped inside the Serbs back line and unleashed a fierce shot from 25 yards that flew into the top right corner with the keeper rooted to the spot.
After an electric start with two goals inside the first twenty minutes, it looked as if the Predators had the game locked, especially since they now had their full complement of players on the pitch.
The Predators were effective holding the Serbs at bay as they headed into the half ahead by two goals.
Whatever momentum the Predators had heading into the second half was lost and consequently gained by the Serbs. The Serbs took charge at the onset of the second half, scoring two swift goals in the first 15 minutes.
The game was drifting and needed a change, but the Serbs relentless attacks made it difficult for the Predators to balance themselves defensively. Still skidding, the Predators did generate some offense. Hans Koppenhoefer provided a good cross with Justin Copp heading down field, but there were enough Serbian red shirts to corral and dispossess the winger of the ball.
And the Serbs responded two minutes later with an attack of their own�a quick counter that created a four on two situation that they easily converted.
The Serbs exerted their dominance for the better part of the second half. They might have sealed a victory in the 83rd minutes but failed to find net on a hard, opened shot that was well gathered by the Predators' keeper Scot Mall.
That mistake cost them dearly. Kane offensive brilliance was quickly on display again as he stutter-stepped and spun past the Serbs� defenders until he created another one-on-one opportunity against the keeper. On the edge of the six-yard box when he turned towards goal, the keeper valiantly threw himself to his left. Kane looked destined to score and he did just that as he pushed the ball underneath the keeper�s lunging body.
Though admittedly the Predators were lucky the match ended in a 3-3 draw, the team deserved it because they wanted to win and felt deserving of at least a point in the standings for their courage effort against a caliber team.
AD