We have to be strong in front of goal, said Sobotka after Sparta’s loss in Třinec

Update: 25.03.2023 00:06

Třinec (Frýdecko-Místecko) – Vladimír Sobotka was declared Sparta’s best player after a 1:3 loss in Třinec. The experienced striker assisted on the team’s only goal, which the Praguers scored in a five-minute power play after a foul by the home team’s Tomáš Marcink. Ondřej Kacetl caught the remaining 39 shots for the guests.

Sparta’s coach Miloslav Hořava also mentioned that the people of Prague did not have many dangerous shots and the players needed to shield the goalkeeper more in their view. The way the home team did it, scoring 1-0 and 2-1 goals in this way. The shot from the blue line by Martin Marinčin went straight and Daniel Voženílek skilfully tipped Lukáš Kaňák’s throw.

“There aren’t many clean situations. It’s always about fights. Everyone plays to the fullest. It’s just playoff hockey. Everyone has to cope with that and find a way in front of the goal,” Sobotka told reporters. “Of course, it’s also a matter of luck. But you have to go against him and one hundred percent,” he pointed out.

Sparta struck with a numerical advantage thanks to an intervention by Tomáš Marcink after only sixteen seconds and thus equalized from Roman Horák’s stop to make it 1:1. After that, however, they shortened their numerical advantage by eliminating David Tomášek and David Vitouch. “We scored a quick goal. Unfortunately – it’s probably a degree of overmotivation – then unnecessary fouls were also committed,” Sobotka regretted.

At 2:2, the quarter-final series now moves to Prague, where it continues on Sunday with the fifth duel from 4:30 p.m. “We mustn’t make mistakes and we must be strong in front of the goal,” Sobotka outlined the recipe for success, which would ensure the match point for Prague.