THUNDER BAY - In only their third game of the season, the Thunder Bay Chill's USL2 postseason aspirations took another hit on Friday night.
The Chill remain winless on the season after mustering a 1-1 draw against WSA Winnipeg in their home opener.
"Of course it's not the result we were expecting," head coach Gio Petraglia said.
Despite dominating possession, pace, and badly outshooting their opponents, the Chill couldn't quite break through.
In fact, it was the Chill who had to play from behind after Winnipeg's William Brown buried a rare opportunity in the final minute of the first half.
It was Winnipeg's only shot on goal in the half.
"In the first half we didn't perform," Petraglia said.
"If we focus, we don't concede that goal at the end, and then we could go in the change room at 0-0 and reorganize."
Instead, the Chill were forced into desperation mode, peppering the Winnipeg goalie before finally breaking through in the 63rd minute.
Manuel Achonodo Renasco converted his first goal of the season on an assist from Evan Sawula.
The Chill continued to keep the pressue until the final whistle, but could never break through.
"I think the thing we need to fix right away is the concentration," Petraglia said.
The story of the night was converting on chances, and the Chill's inability to do so. They registered 17 shots, but just five on goal.
Winnipeg's Svyatik Artemnko made a few key saves in the draw.
The Chill, who have traditionally dominated the matchup against WSA Winnipeg, are faced with the prospect of going winless through the year's first two weeks.
"We must get out of this weekend with four points. We just need to forget about what happened thus far and focus on the future."
Petraglia says the playoffs are still in the teams long-term sights.
"We're capable of making the playoffs, I'm totally confident on it. We just need to reconnect and concentrate on tomorrow's game."
