Vincent Vanasch delivered a remarkable performance in goal to lead Soorma Hockey Club to a thrilling 4-3 win over Kalinga Lancers in the Hero Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, on Sunday. Goals from Jeremy Hayward (11’), Nicolas Della Torre (35’), Harmanpreet Singh (50’), and Harish Somappa (52’) sealed the win for Soorma, while Thierry Brinkman (5’), Sanjay (30’), and Gursahibjit Singh (50’) found the net for the Lancers.
Despite the Lancers dominating with 26 circle penetrations and nine shots compared to Soorma’s 14 penetrations and seven shots, Vanasch’s brilliance in goal was the decisive factor.
The match began with the Lancers pressing hard, and they took an early lead in the fifth minute through Brinkman, who showcased excellent dribbling skills to score past Vanasch. Soorma responded in the 11th minute when Hayward converted a penalty corner, leveling the match.
Sanjay restored the Lancers’ lead with a penalty corner drag flick just before the first quarter ended. Vanasch then denied Nicolas Bandurak a golden chance to extend the lead, keeping Soorma in the game.
In the 35th minute, Della Torre’s top-corner drag flick brought Soorma level again. The Lancers had opportunities, but Vanasch’s crucial saves, including denying Alexander Hendrickx and Antoine Kina, frustrated their efforts.
The fourth quarter delivered non-stop action. Harmanpreet gave Soorma their first lead with a powerful drag flick in the 50th minute, but Gursahibjit Singh equalized almost immediately after a brilliant assist from Kina.
Soorma reclaimed the lead in the 52nd minute when Phil Roper’s pass found Harish Somappa, who slid in to score. The Lancers pushed hard, including pulling their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, but Vanasch’s heroics, including a penalty stroke save against Hendrickx in the 58th minute, secured Soorma’s win.
After the match, Player of the Match Vanasch said, “Penalty strokes are always a bit about luck. I chose the right side. It was a tough match with seven goals, but I’m happy we got the three points.”