by Cody Baugh
The women’s soccer team is more then half way through the AUS regular season schedule and will have their work cut out for them if they plan to reach the postseason. The Tigers have struggled this season posting a 2-4-2 record through eight games. In comparison, last year they were 4-3-1 at this point.
Outside of a 6-1 blowout loss to Acadia in the second game of the year, the rest of the Tigers three losses have only been by a margin of one. The squad has showed promise but has been hindered by late game lapses resulting in goals.
It was an unfortunate opening weekend at Wickwire Field as the Tigers dropped their first two games to the Mount Allison Mounties and Acadia Axewomen. The season opener was particularly heart breaking as the Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead but could not hold off Amanda Volcko and the Mounties who scored three unanswered goals.
Things got better for the ladies who went on to post a 2-0-1 record in the following three games. They outscored their opponents 5-0 during the streak. After sitting on the bench in the first two games Katie Morgan, started the season with three straight clean sheets.
After winning two straight on the road, the Tigers came back to Wickwire Field in search of their first win in front of the home crowd. Dalhousie scored first off the boot of Shea Jeffrey-Novak against the Memorial Sea-Hawks. Memorial countered quickly and the game stayed at 1-1 until the 83rd minute when the Sea-Hawks scored a crushing game-winning goal.
Last weekend in Wolfville it was another late goal that hurt the Tigers. The ladies found themselves up 2-1 in the final minutes of the game, but a goal in the 88th minute forced the Tigers to settle for the draw. The day after the ladies hosted the UPEI Panthers and fell 1-0.
Despite the lack-luster year the Tigers play-off hopes are alive and well. Currently Dalhousie sits in seventh, just one point out of a playoff spot, chasing the Mount Allison Mounties.
With five games left in the regular season, every game will be crucial and securing points will be at a premium. The Tigers will have their work cut out for them considering they play StFX and Cape Breton twice, the top two teams in AUS..
Kristy McGregor-Bales, a former CIS first team All-Canadian has been a powerhouse on both sides of the pitch. The defender is not only fulfilling her role as one of the best shut down defensive players in the AUS, but is also tied for the team lead in scoring with three goals.
Alongside McGregor-Bales on the defensive end is fourth-years Samantha MacDonald and Amanda Bowles. The trio has started every game thus far.
First year striker, Shea Jeffrey-Novak has been a nice edition to the Tigers roster, scoring three goals in six games played. Outside of McGregor-Bales and Jeffrey-Novak, five other plays have recorded a single goal.
Defence and goaltending may be the x-factor in the coming games as they are facing two of the most dangerous offences four more times.
The Tigers will be back at Wickwire Field on Friday, October 16 hosting the Saint Mary’s Huskies at 5pm.