Two goals from Noseworthy-Smith pushes Acadia over Dal 3-2
Two goals from the AUS conference’s leading scorer Kinsella Noseworthy-Smith (Wolfville, NS) was the difference on Sunday afternoon, as the Acadia Axewomen topped the Dalhousie Tigers 3-2 at Wickwire Field.
(HALIFAX, N.S.) – Two goals from the AUS conference's leading scorer Kinsella Noseworthy-Smith (Wolfville, NS) was the difference on Sunday afternoon, as the Acadia Axewomen topped the Dalhousie Tigers 3-2 at Wickwire Field.
Noseworthy-Smith – a striker – scored her seventh of the year in the first half and added the game-winner in the 75th minute of the second half.
It was an offensive outburst in the opening 45 minutes, as both teams found the net twice and each had seven shots on net.
Acadia would open the scoring just over a minute into play, as striker Jenna Howell (Darthmouth, NS) finished off a centering feed from fellow striker Meghan Earle (Mt. Pearl, NL).
The Axewomen made it 2-0 just over eight minutes later, on a booming kick from Noseworthy-Smith that found the top right corner.
Dalhousie fought back however, with two goals ten minutes apart.
Midfielder Maya Venkataraman (Summerland, BC) was able to cut the Acadia lead to one in the 21st minute, finishing off a loose ball in the box.
Defender Amanda Bowles (Burlington, ON) would then even the score in the 31st minute on a brilliantly placed header off a corner kick from defender Jordie Smith (Surrey, BC).
The Tigers controlled possession in the closing 10 minutes, but couldn't break the deadlock, thanks to firm play in net from Acadia goaltender Emma Connell (Hampton, NS).
The visitors were the aggressors for the majority of the second half, frequently bringing 10 players up past midfield for an enhanced attack, which eventually paid off.
After a few close chances which were stymied by Tiger's goalie Sam Corcoran (Ottawa, ON), the Axewomen would ultimately take the lead on an unlucky break for Dalhousie.
Noseworthy-Smith found herself open in the box and delivered a shot that deflected off of a Tigers defender and into the net for a 3-2 Acadia lead.
Dalhousie fought hard for the equalizer in the closing 10 minutes, as Smith and midfielder Rachelle Lalande (Halifax, NS) both had good looks from distance, but were unable to tie the game up.
The Subway Players of the Game were Amanda Bowles for Dalhousie and centre back Emily Nickerson (Coldbrook, NS) for Acadia.
With the win, the Axewomen advance to 6-0-1, while Dalhousie falls to 1-6-1.
The Tigers next action is on Sunday, Oct. 16 as they host Mount Allison, while Acadia will battle StFX on the same day.
By: Mike Still, Dalhousie Athletics