Capers beat Tigers 3-0

Sydney, N.S. – Led by a two-goal effort from first-year forward Kairo Coore (Whitby, ON), the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers (6-1-3) scored a convincing 3-0 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers (4-3-3) in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) men's soccer action on Sunday afternoon at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex. 

It was one of the most complete performances of 2021 for the four-time defending conference champions, which came in their final home match of the regular season on home turf. 

"Everything is finally falling into place," Coore said, agreeing that it was probably the best effort by his team this season.  

He added that they are starting to produce the results that they have been looking for all season. 

From the opening whistle, CBU's offense exerted pressure on the visitors, with only Dalhousie goalkeeper Aiden Rushenas (Toronto, ON) preventing the Capers from scoring – early and often – by making a handful of highlight-reel stops. 

In the 16th minute, Coore – who leads the AUS with 13 goals – gave the Capers a 1-0 edge, making the most of a nifty feed from Jose de Cunha (Cascais, Portugal). 

A little more than 10 minutes later, Rushenas robbed Coore with a diving save, while stymieing Charlie Waters (Blackpool, UK) only a few moments later. 

In the 35th minute, De Cunha blistered a strike that sailed over the cross bar.  

Although they peppered Rushenas – many shots of the high-end variety – the Capers only took a one-goal advantage into halftime. 

The Tigers came out strongly in the second half, with their first quality scoring chance of the match coming in the 50th minute, but Daniel Clarke (Milton Keyes, UK) got his fingertips on a Tiger deflection and chipped it over the cross bar. 

Off the ensuing corner kick, Clarke snagged the attempt and started the counter attack by booming the ball into the Dalhousie end of the pitch, where Waters picked it up and fed Jamie Watson (Kirkclady, UK), who found Coore, whose shot beat Rushenas in the 53rd minute to double the Caper lead to 2-0. 

From there on, CBU continued to press, while preventing the Tigers from mustering any sort of comeback on the road. 

Waters, off a great pass from Daniel Williams (Pierrefonds, QC), wrapped up the scoring in the 90th minute. 

"It has been great – we are really on the same page right now," Coore said, in talking about his building chemistry with Waters, while praising the veteran for his play. 

He added that their work together has produced scoring opportunities – not only for he and Waters, but also their teammates.  

"We are building up momentum heading into the playoffs," Coore said.  

Clarke made five saves for the shutout. 

The Capers will return to action on Friday, Oct. 29, when they visit the Saint Mary's Huskies, while the Tigers will host the STFX X-Women.  

Both matches – set for Halifax – kickoff at 7:15 p.m.