Early marker pushes Cape Breton to 2-0 win over Dalhousie

(HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Cape Breton Capers visited Dalhousie University's Wickwire field on Saturday afternoon and spoiled the Tiger's home opener, emerging with a 2-0 win. Caper's forward Keona Simmonds (Brampton, ON.) scored the eventual game winner just over four minutes into the contest.

The opening five minutes featured a flurry of action on both sides of the pitch.

Just over two minutes into the contest, Tigers midfielder Maya Venkataraman (Summerland, B.C.) delivered a nice strike into the box for fellow midfielder Adelle Goodfellow (Halifax, N.S.), however the ball sailed just out of her reach.

Cabe Breton responded with their first quality chance in the third minute, as defender/midfielder Tamara Brown (Whitby, Ont.) hustled into the area, but was stymied.

The Capers would break the deadlock just under 30 seconds later, as Simmonds was able to control the ball between two Dalhousie players, broke free and found the back of the net.

The brown and orange pressed hard for the equalizer, but were unable to tie the score up, as the Capers entered halftime up 1-0. Dalhousie's best chance to knot the score occurred on a free kick in the 43rd minute, however defender Amanda Bowle's (Burlington, ON) shot sailed just over the crossbar.

Tiger's goalie Sam Corcoran came out strong in the second half, denying chances by Capers forwards Chelsea Foote (Halifax, NS.) and Chelsea Currie (Sydney, N.S.) in the 49th and 54th minutes, respectively.

Corcoran's play in net sparked her team, as striker Jensen Hudder would provide the Tigers with their best chance of the second half, driving the ball past the Capers goalie but not the post, keeping the score 1-0 for the visitors.

Cape Breton would add to their lead in the 64th minute, as a hand-ball from Dalhousie led to a penalty kick from Capers midfielder Ciera Disipio (Ottawa, ON.), which she was able to convert on.

Despite trailing by two, Dalhousie continued to press, but were unable to solve a stout Cape Breton defence, as the visitors emerged with a 2-0 win.

The contest was close in terms of chances, as the Capers outshot the Tigers just 5-4, but made the most of the opportunities that they had.

The Subway Players of the Game were Venkataraman for Dalhousie, who was all over the field, and Currie for Cape Breton, who had two shots on goal as well as an assist.

The Tiger's next action occurs tomorrow at 1 p.m. as they take on St.FX at home, while the Capers will travel to Mount Allison to battle the Mounties. 

Recap by: Mike Still, Dalhousie Athletics