Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, October 25,
2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September
27, 2010
Monday, September
20. 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Last Time!
Wednesday morning, it feels like I have come off the side of a mountain
and am resting at the bottom, wondering where to climb next. It only takes
one or two days and I will be restless.
In some ways a strange weekend to comment on, one in which the roles the
men's and women's soccer team had played so far this season were reversed.
The men became a solid, concentrate unit, while the women, still playing
with purpose, made untidy and expensive errors.
A reversal just at the time we did not need that to happen.
Last Wednesday, while away to UdeM, the opportunity was taken to play
one or two fringe players, something the home team took advantage of very
quickly, as within twenty minutes they were 4-0 up.
Yet, from that half-time talk and response to the hole they found themselves
in, the men produced two and a half games of pride and focus. The second
half in Moncton was controlled and won 1-0, followed by a 1-0 loss away
to high flying SMU, this to a late goal after a stirring performance that
surprised the home side with its quality.
At home to UdeM on Sunday, the men continued in the same vein, determined
to give nothing away, while believing in their ability to make chances
when in possession. This was rewarded when Matt Wheaton, one of a number
of players to give outstanding performances, was on hand to find the right
end product to a corner UdeM failed to clear.
The season, for the men, ending in a positive fashion.
The women have spent all the season climbing mountains, this week proved
to be one or two too far. While the heart was nothing short of willing,
the bodies had weakened just enough.
Away to SMU, they trailed 1-0 after a first half against the wind, in
turning around it was felt the game was still there to win but this was
not to be the case. The home side making full use of some uncharacteristic
defending, meaning the points and play-offs were gone.
Next day it was UdeM at home, another team to lose play-off chances the
day before, but a game that would give the winner the sixth position in
the AUS, one the Mounties would be proud of.
Though not a game of the highest tempo, it was an close affair, with seventy
minutes having passed before Megan Spicer scored one of her best goals
this season, to put the home team ahead. Receiving the ball wide on the
left, near the half way line, she out ran the UdeM defence, cut back on
her right foot when inside the penalty box, then drove the ball into the
roof of the net.
Alas this was to be the final Mountie highlight of the season, to their
credit UdeM came back strongly and equalised with twelve minutes to go,
worse was to come for Mount Allison when two minutes into injury time
a second was conceded from a corner, a cruel blow to a tiring home side.
I talked of climbing mountains because the women's team has punched above
its weight all season, the final weekend proving to be one time when we
were asking too much.
Thank you for reading and listening throughout the season, I shall leave
your in inbox in peace!
Barry
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Monday, October 25, 2010
Barry Dickens - A Tale of Two Teams
Four games too!
On Wednesday we travelled to UPEI, catching up on the cancelled game,
then, on Saturday, Cape Breton made their way to us.
The men lost both games, although as you can imagine, there is a little
more to it than that. On the island it was two ordinary teams, playing
an ordinary match that was close enough to make it interesting. The one
goal going to UPEI when a rebound off the visitors post came back into
play kindly.
The hosts were always that little bit smarter with the ball but not enough
to take control against a Mount Allison team that maintained a resilience
and desire throughout. In fact, they should have got something out of
the game when Pat Burtt blazed over in the last minute, when it looked
easier to score.
Cape Breton arrived with their array of imports, their team sounding
like a meeting of the UN. With this expenditure comes talent, presenting
the fragile Mounties with a challenge, one which that was not eased by
conceding a goal from a well worked free kick routine in the fifth minute.
This could have been the start of a difficult afternoon for the home side
but, instead, it helped to bring the best out of them. Hanging on initially,
they gained a foothold in the encounter by half-time, and, following that,
gave one of their best forty-five minutes displays this season, always
being lively and positive.
Instead of a reward they deserved, the game ended with another quality
free kick from Cape Breton, this time a top corner shot from a distance
that hit the bar and, again, rebounding to the incoming visiting forward.
There was a satisfaction in the quality of this performance but, unfortunately,
nothing on the points table.
Now the ladies!
UPEI Women will probably be the best team in this AUS division this season,
so, as the game went into the second-half, after a first one against the
wind, all watching realised this Mountie team is a little special.
As can be the case, heartbreak was just around the corner, when captain
and excellent goal keeper, Elissa McCarron, let a soft shot through her
hands. Instead of being shaken, Mount Allison were only stirred to greater
things, continually taking the game to their illustrious opponents, with
another pivotal moment still to happen. This was when striker, Sara Laking,
somehow failed to score from close in, with the goal at her mercy, the
home keeper on the ground. To all those travelling, this was the most
painful of defeats, not a new experience this season for the female Mounties.
This leaves Cape Breton, at home, another force in the league. Against
a healthy wind, the home side soon found themselves under pressure, conceding
numerous corners and a goal in the first ten minutes, at that stage it
appeared as if it was going to be a long afternoon. But, as if they needed
to confirm this again, Mount Allison are no push overs, no longer a team
to be intimidated. By half-time control of the game had balanced off,
in fact, the home team creating two of the best chances on view.
The wind dropped a little and a tight second half ensued, this time with
justice being served with Zayah Romilowych finishing calmly when through,
with assistance of a flowing move, to level the scores. All this and more
appeared to be lost when a harsh penalty was given to the visitors but
up stepped goal keeper, Elissa McCarron, to save both shot and day!
This well earnt, unexpected, and most deserved point may well be precious
in the Mounties quest for play-offs, the race for which they are still
very much part of as they enter the last week with three games too play.
These being UdeM on Wednesday, away, in Halifax on Saturday, against SMU,
then home on Sunday to UdeM, again.
Barry
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Soccer at MTA
The week following Thanksgiving had been a build-up to the weekend's
two games, all the emphasis being on the importance and difference that
six points could make to both MTA teams.
These plans went a little awry when heavy winds closed the Confederation
Bridge all day Friday and our evening fixture against UPEI had to be postponed;
this left Sunday's home game against UNB.
It was quickly apparent the Women had got the gist of the week's works,
as they took comfortable control of the first game of the day. This was
turned into a goal when the lively Megan Spicer was fouled inside the
penalty area, as she made progress on goal. Looking for her first AUS goal,
Kat Fraser stepped up to take responsibility next. Though a truly outstanding
member of this team, over the season Kat had three shots hit the bar and was
also denied a penalty kick by a brilliant keeper's save. Certainly deserving
of more goals over the year, her wait was over. All the team watched in delight as she
successfully drove the ball into the top corner
This lead was doubled early in the second-half, when Trissa Dunham was
on hand at a corner, which the visiting keeper failed to hold cleanly.
The fact it was also her first AUS goal was written all over the smile
on her face as she ran back.
The regulation afternoons work lost its shape when UNB forced the ball
over the line from a corner of their own; suddenly making for an anxious
last fifteen minutes. This only turned out to be ten, when Megan Spicer
showed twice in the last five minutes why she is the AUS leading goal
scorer, making the score a flattering 4-1 with two excellent finishes.
The three points collected here maintain the teams realistic chances of
reaching the play-offs, as they remain in control of their own destiny.
It then became the Men's opportunity to complete the double over UNB,
never an easy side to play against, this game proving no different.
An even first half saw the score exactly that, 0-0, with the Mounties
comfortable and confident. In a repeating scenario, the balance of the
game changed soon into the second half with the first goal, UNB dealing
that blow direct from a long throw, an error that would cost MTA the points.
From then on UNB we disciplined, organised and defensive, as they could
afford to be. Almost, as if to a script, a second goal was conceded later
on, as the home side pushed forward.
The gap between many teams in the AUS, Mount Allison included, is small
this year, we simply have not been able to build up a momentum, confidence
or belief, to help us bridge that each week. We have continually been found
a little wanting, not a great deal, but enough to cost us the points.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the two teams attempt to make the trip to UPEI again,
when a very tough opponent awaits the women, while the men will seek motivation
to maintain and improve on standards set so far.
Barry
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
MTA Soccer
Wednesday morning, I have waited in order to get a reflective look at
both weekend and season so far, as we reach the mid-way stage. A time
to wonder if my expectations and hopes were too high, the AUS standard
even better than I remembered, or that we are not good enough.
First of all the weekend, UPEI, on Saturday, then Memorial, on Sunday,
both at home, six important points available.
In the Men's game it was quickly apparent that UPEI are not the team they
were last year but, despite that, the Mounties performance followed the
pattern of recent games. A bright start, conceding a goal after half an
hour, and then slowly losing their confidence. Even a second half revival,
when coming back from 2-0 down with an excellent Pat Burtt strike from
an angle, was thwarted by a third conceded near the end.
Saturday was slightly different, when, after going through the process
of starting freshly, yet conceding the first goal, they equalised before
half-time. To their credit, this fragile confidence survived going 2-1
down, Adrian Crace driving home a free kick to equalise. A fair result
in a hard fought game; more about frantic energy that quality.
The women also had an interesting weekend, their first game being over
in five minutes, when they let in two goals against a committed UPEI team;
the next game, on Sunday, was virtually the same, except it was MTA who
got two goals in the first three minutes!
UPEI Women are perhaps the team we want to be, highly self motivated,
with enough quality and pace to back that up. This makes them far too
good an opposition to give a two goal lead to. Credit can go to the home
team for staying strong after the initial shock but it is little compensation
for such a poor start, especially after that had been talked about.
Within forty seconds of the start, against Memorial, on Sunday, Megan
Spicer had slid in the first, after excellent work by Emma Young and Marlon
Smith. Before three minutes was up, Megan had repeated the dose, again
with the help of Marlon. Oddly, the shock of this almost knocked the hosts
off they rhythm, their defence having to be vigilant as MUN refused to
give up.
It was not until the latter stages of the game that the next goal came,
Megan Spicer completing her hat-trick, with a shot, that might have well
have been a cross, which ending up in the far corner of the net.
As might be expected the women were delighted to get their first win,
one they deserved and probably needed earlier, in order to have the impact
on the league they wanted to.
We know that the Men's AUS soccer is a tough place to be, our team can
compete there but, in order to do so, they need to do everything well,
very much in terms of concentration. When this happens, they become strong
unit, one difficult to break down and with the means to score. While playing
well, we then make mistakes that are punished, suddenly we are chasing
the game and under pressure. At present, we are not at a level to be able
to do that with enough belief.
The women have been closer to the team product we look for; together,
with one purpose. I honestly do not believe they have got the reward their
performances have warranted, at the same time, we have missed two penalties
and a few important chances. It will be interesting to see if they can
stay together in their concentration and purpose, while adding a confidence
and edge when they are in possession.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Barry
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Later
It is said that sport, in this case soccer, is a reflection of life,
if last weekend is anything to go by, I rather hope it is not, because
I would not want life to be that unkind, unfair or touching on cruel.
I had been involved in four games, watched two sets of players give all
they had, it some cases it appeared more, then get nothing in return,
not on paper anyway!
It was almost the tale of three penalties; the women were harshly punished
on Saturday, seven minutes from the end of one of their finest performances.
Then, on Sunday, when 2-1 down to DAL, there was just three minutes left
when Kat Fraser stepped up to take the one awarded to Mount Allison, hitting
it very well, we all witnessed one of the best female saves we are likely
to see. As if that was not enough, the men, having dominated DAL all first
half, were hit by a bad bounce of the ball to hand, to turn around 1-0
down!
The Mount Allison teams spent long periods of both games making the DAL
opposition look ordinary; the truth is the Mounties were playing well
above ordinary.
I could not write on Monday because the hurt was still too raw.
I watch closely the effort being put in by everybody as they almost desperately
try to earn respect, recognition, and, even, admiration, on campus. I
see the desire to earn all of that in the AUS and amongst those who follow
their progress.
Instead the story told on paper appears to be one that little has changed
and I appear to be another coach finding excuses.
Against DAL the Mountie women were 1-0 up at half-time, a goal created
and scored by Megan Spicer. An even second half saw the visitors equalise
and then take the lead with five minutes to go, with an unstoppable shot
into the top corner; only for the drama of Kat Fraser's penalty to follow.
The men put on their best forty-five minutes of the season on Sunday,
as I said, still to turn around a goal behind. Never quite finding that
form in the second half, they conceded a second in injury time to make
even the 2-0 score look worse than it should have been.
I am trying to take these team to a place they have not been before,
for that to happen they have to trust me; part of my Monday morning despair
was the knowledge they had done all they could to get there but had no
tangible reward in return. I was left feeling guilty.
This weekend is important to us all, we have two home games.
Barry
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Monday, September 27, 2010
MTA Soccer
Matt Wheaton is six foot, three inches tall, having played all his soccer
in Sackville, he is the ideal Mount Allison student and athlete, intelligent,
focused on academics, committed to all he does, a lover of the sport and
a total team man. Michael Marousek is also six foot, three; he was bought
up in the Czech Republic, where he must have played in the highest standard
of European soccer all his life, such is his quality.
Midway through the second half of Saturdays game at StFX, Michael drifted
around the back of the penalty area, to lose Matt at a free kick, he then
rose high to meet a perfect delivery, powering the ball off the bar and
into the net. His team had regained the lead, and, in that instant, taken
control of a game they had begun to struggle with.
Michael, now StFX's leading ever goal scorer, had been bought to the
AUS to play soccer.
Before long, Miroslav Novac, who stands six foot, seven, also from the
Czech Republic, had scored another, followed by a second superb finish
from Michael, making the score and the result 4-1 to StFX.
This was after first half when the visitors had to and did work extremely
hard to contain a confident and talented home team, even to the extent
they were disappointed at the one goal that was conceded. Despite the
StFX pressure, the Mounties were continually impressive when in possession,
moving the ball around quickly and intelligently. This continued into
the second half and was rewarded when Tim Boschel equalised; a flowing
move across the field, down the right wing, ended up with Stuart McAdam
delivering a cross that Tim reached first, his header being too much for
the keeper.
For a while it looked like a real game, until Michael stepped in!
Having switched to a new system, 3-5-2, Mount Allison travelled home
once again disappointed but with a certain pride in what the team is achieving.
While the system changes responsibility for certain players, it did allow
us to get the right ones in space on the ball; in doing so we found a
pleasing quality when in possession.
The playing field may not always appear level, we should not only be
pleased that a student like Matt Wheaton gets to play against the best
but recognize how well this team does every week in that situation, even
if we do, sometimes, end up second best on the score line.
All this had followed on after an almost epic encounter from the StFX
and Mount Allison women's teams.
Last year the Mounties were involved in a game against Cape Breton, which
I thought was one of the finest team efforts I had ever witnessed; yesterday's
performance was better than that.
The home side were upset after losing, surprisingly, last weekend, it
was obvious there whole week had been spent looking forward to this game,
as they started off, then continued with, a high physical intensity and
a driven tempo. Two seasons ago Mount Allison women would have lost 4-0
and hardly got out of their half.
This team is different, they stood up, were counted and then hit back,
not a single physical battle was shirked from, the game became like two
boxes slugging it out. First with power, then with a quality and intelligence
on the ball. The visitors, having weathered the early storm, showed exactly
what they are made of now, winning ball, using it well and creating chances.
If there is a finer back four and goal keeper in the AUS than those in
the Mount A team, I have yet to see them, once again Jessica Keating,
Allie McLean, Trissa Dunham, Katie Ship and Elissa McCarron were nothing
short of immense. While, in front of them Kat Fraser and Hilary Hamilton
took the true brunt of what was of an epic encounter.
With only seven minutes left, the first goal of a Women's Mounties game
this season occurred, not surprisingly an unfortunate penalty. Cruelly
it was given against Trissa Dunham and MTA, a hand ball as she closed
down an opponent in the area, which could easily have been ball to hand.
Even after this was scored from, there was still enough time for Kat Fraser
to hit the bar, her third such experience this season, from a free kick.
If a team is going to lose, there is no better way than this. You cannot
imagine the pride I felt, not at what I had done but in being associated
with this team.
The first comment made to me after the game, from the StFX coach was
that we deserved much better.
It is Sunday morning; I wanted to write this before the second episode
of our weekend, home games against DAL, another big day for us. I will
tell you about it later.
Later will be a little while in arriving, the weekend's events both drained
and deflated me.
Barry
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Monday, September 20. 2010
MTA Soccer
Hello,
I suppose it is only human nature that I am quicker with my match updates
when reporting success, than I am when the news is not all good.
The truth is, when disappointed after a game, I purposefully take my mind
elsewhere, which stays that way until I wake next morning, when there
is no hiding place, with true reflection setting in. Therefore I need
to recover from that process a little before I put thoughts on paper!
Yesterday the Men's team lost 5-1 to St Mary's.
It was a game we had looked forward to, especially after the success
of Friday. The facts are they were better than I expected, while we did
not perform well enough. It could be said we are not good enough but time,
and other performance, will decide that. For this game we gave goals away
a little too easily, against players who had the quality to take them.
One arriving in the second minute, when a visitors corner was cleared
but then not closed down intelligently, the opponent stepping around the
first challenge, to drive superbly in from over twenty meters.
Mid-way through the first half unnecessary confusion in the home defence
allowed the deficit to double, at a time when the Mounties were getting
a real foothold in the game, with two opportunities having been created.
Even so, ten minutes late, Mount A was back in the game, from a most
unexpected source, full back, Adam Brown, appearing to see the SMU goal
keeper off his line and lifting it over his head from a distance. Suddenly
there appeared to be a game.
As if still shocked by the early goals and the quality of the opposition,
the Mounties still did not go forward with real conviction and any chance
of a recovery ended when an untidy penalty was conceded, half-time arrive
at 3-1.
Even with a positive discussion during the break, the second half failed
to bring the best out of Mount Allison, the visitors having little problem
in finding another two goals and running out clear and worthy winners.
While the opposition showed why they are number one in the AUS, there
are a few matters that concern me: for a team that has been built to pride
itself on being hard to score against, we were not; the fact that, when
put under pressure we lost belief in ourselves; finally we want to be
a side that is resolute, especially when things go wrong, we did not truly
stand up and fight for what we believe the team represents. Last year
we had too many games like this, I thought that had gone, I may not have
been right. Obviously, there is still work to be done.
Now for the good news, comparatively speaking, the Women's game.
Mention has been made of the depth of quality in this squad, yesterday,
in the game against SMU, that depth was needed, as four players were missing
through injury, including Katie Shipp, part of the strong defence, and
Marlon Smith, who had had such an impact on Friday, before having to go
off.
Almost remarkably, the game was another 0-0 tie, which is three out of
three for the Mounties. Although this game did have a different texture
about it, a hard fought encounter that had opportunities to go either
way but was probably right that is did not. Once again, although changed,
the defence reveled in concentration and determination, supported every
step of the way by goal keeper, Elissa McCarron, who gave her most accomplished
performance of the season.
The game had started with the Mounties a little flat but they soon stepped it
up a gear and the encounter continued form there at full speed. Players
from both teams feeling they were about to break the dead lock but good
defending or poor fortune always getting in the way.
With enforced changes, the Mounties can be very pleased with both quality
and character shown. Much talk is being made about the players being happy
but not satisfied, it will be interesting to see where the women's team
take this start to. Yet again, it was a performance peppered with excellent
individual games, all wrapped up in a team.
This weekend is a tough one, StFX away on Saturday, then DAL at home
on Sunday. The woman will travel with the most confidence, the men with
the greater challenge, as they recover from the SMU experience; which
will be the greater driving force, I wonder?
Barry
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
Six Days Later
On Wednesday evening of this week the Men's had the honour of the first
practice session, followed by the Women at 7.30; when the latter arrived
I told them they would have difficulty matching the excellent level the
men had just performed at, in terms of tempo, quality and commitment,
all the essentials we look for. The truth is the Women did just that,
I knew afterwards it was the best four hours of work I had seen at any
practice night in the four years I have been here.
While not letting expectation creep in, I did feel an excitement for
Friday evening, last night, our games at Acadia.
The Women were greeted at with a small changing room, full of sports
equipment and with only one light working, followed by the non-appearance
of any match officials, meaning, after much confusion, the game started
late.
Such was the focus of the team this disruption had no effect, from the
first minute each and everyone of them was first to the ball and dominated
situations all over the field. The Mounties proceeded to give a first
half display as good, if not better, than their best of last year. The
truth is they did everything right but score, Megan Spicer was denied by
the goal keepers fingers when through on a one on one, later again when
her effort from a corner was cleared of the line. Disappointingly, another
penalty was missed, after Marlon Smith (having made the move this season
from Varsity Basketball) was too strong for the home defence.
As often is the case with this type of game, despite half-time talks,
the second half is never quite the same. The quality and desire of the
visitors first half performance was dragged into a battle as the home
side did there best to recover. A second forty-five minutes of few chances
ended with the score still 0-0. The loss of Marlon Smith, through and
ankle injury, not helping the Mountie cause.
Two away games, two ties, two shut-outs, two games that ended with our
team feeling disappointed, this says a lot about the changing level of
expectation the Women now have. Tomorrow we play at home to SMU, an encounter
for all to look forward too.
With stand-in officials already in place the Men's were next on the Acadia
turf, in front of a lively home support.
Such was the start the Mounties made, the expected early rush and pressure
from the home team failed to materialise, instead the visitors settled
comfortably into their game. With wide right player, Tim Boschel, now
available Mount Allison have real pace balanced throughout their side,
a commodity all good teams rely on. With such attributes as organization
and work ethic now a natural part of this teams performance, it quickly
became apparent that confidence on the ball is growing too. This was emphasised
midway through the first half when striker Connor McCumber moved smoothly
down the right hand line, onto a through ball, effortlessly changing pace,
he turned inside, past two defenders, and had driven the ball into the
net with his left foot, from the edge of the area, before the goal keeper
realized what had happened.
As if clearing any doubts they might have had, this goal encouraged the
visitors to display even more of their ability on the ball. It came as
little surprise when the lead was doubled, shortly before half-time, this
time a Connor McCumber long throw was met by Stuart McAdam, one of a number
of burgundy shirts arriving at the right time, to header the ball in.
The Mounties walked off at the break, with their best work of the season
complete and the job half done.
As might be expected, Acadia came forward strongly in the second half,
although, despite giving away too many free-kicks, Mount Allison usually
remained comfortable. This did change, with fifteen minutes left, when
an atrocious decision by a stand-in linesman, gave a goal to Acadia that
all knew had not crossed the line. If anything this steeled the visitors
further, as they took care of the ball and had limited scares until time
was called the three excellent points theirs.
Last week central defender, Adrian Crace, won Player of the Game, this
time it was his partner in that position, Alex Zscheile, who took the award.
This is no coincidence, as the quality of the partnership they have formed
has been the platform from which this team is now building. The Men's
team, like their female counterparts, are looking forward to Sunday.
So this leaves me with Saturday as a day to savour, a chance to reflect
and enjoy last night, while calmly waiting for tomorrow, while our opponents
of then, having a busy this afternoon at UPEI.
Barry
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
Two Days After the Day Before
Good morning,
A thoughtful Sunday morning, the unusual luxury of a one game weekend
allowing the time to view yesterdays performances with increasing clarity.
What we hoped for was two wins, which did not happen, yet the feeling
today is positive.
The Women tied 0-0, in a game in which they always looked the more capable;
the team that looked secure at the back, that passed the ball better and
definitely the side that came closest to scoring. UNB are a stronger team
than last year and, before long, we may appreciate the quality of this
point.
It says a lot about the progress of squad that they can now quickly settle
in the rhythm of their game and control the proceedings, competitive in
their approach, they looked comfortable throughout a tight first half;
UNB only threatening from corners. The better chance of that half went
to Megan Spicer, who's snap shot was dragged wide from the edge of the
area.
While the second half became a mid-field battle for a while, the Mounties
showed drive in the latter stages as they went for the three points. With
five minutes left Kat Fraser took the initiative at a free kick, from
twenty-two meters, her shot smacking against the bar and rebounding cleanly
out! Two minutes later the same player, from a similar distance, forced
the goal keeper into a save that saw her push the ball onto the underside
of the same bar, this time for it to bounce down just the wrong side of
the line and out!
While Trissa Dunham was awarded Player of the Match, it was agreed by
all that the team had a number of contenders. What pleased the team was
the knowledge that the standard they had set for the first game was equal
to some of their best from last year.
Quickly on the heels of this encounter was the Men's game, one always
likely to be a fast and furious affair, those looking for that were not
disappointed. The fast part also applied itself to the first goal, as
UNB were 1-0 up with two minutes of the start, when the Mounties lost
concentration at a corner and the ball found its way into the net.
This only upped the UNB tempo and the visitors had to contain the rush,
which they did successfully, to such an extent that, with five minutes,
they were level, with what proved to be the goal of the game. Breaking
at speed down the left hand side, the ball was played into the path of
Chris Vizena, taking his player on at pace, around the outside, he then
played the perfect low cross into the penalty area. To the delight of
the Mounties, support had kept up with Chris and arriving at the right
time from mid-field was Pat Burtt, in his home town, to make no mistake
and enjoy the moment of his first AUS goal.
All this enabled Mount Allison to settle, find security in defense and
start to use the ball better, this allowing them to earn their share of
a tight game. Unfortunately, this changed seven minutes before half-time,
when a poor defensive header form a long throw presented UNB with too
good a chance to miss.
To the credit of the Mounties the whole second half became a tight battle,
with the speed of the game maintained and few chances at either end. The
best the visitors had was when Chris Vizena came within an inch of a Connor
McCumber far post ball, with a gaping goal in front of him. But it was
not be to, not this game, anyway, the score remaining at 2-1 to UNB.
Adrian Crace, in the heart of the defence, taking the Player of the Game,
with his partner in the area, Alex Zscheile, being a close contender.
Without being defensive in their approach part of the Mounties team ethic
is that they become very hard to score against, on two occasions this
was not the case in this game, two occasions too many. A lesson to be
learnt and a price to be paid. On the very positive was the approach of
the team throughout the second half, one of determination, purpose and
strength of character. Another positive was how disappointed and hurt
they were after the game, as they must be.
On Friday we are at Acadia, with St Mary's here on Sunday. Something
to look forward to.
Barry
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