Source: Jonathan James, UNB Athletics
(FREDERICTON, NB) The Dalhousie Tigers held on for a 2-1 win over the UNB Reds on Sunday afternoon.
With the loss, UNB drops to 0-4 while Dalhousie improves to 5-0.
Most of the first half was played in transition, with both teams sharp early on.
UNB came out of the gate with a well executed game plan, keeping the ball away from the Tigers strong midfield.
Striker Mackenzie Sinclair (Camperdown, NS) and midfielder Sylvie Fecteau (Moncton, NB) drove much of the Reds offence, pressuring the Tigers defence. Sinclair repeatedly broke up the wings and was a catalyst for many of the Reds chances. Fecteau delivered a handful of great corner kicks and crosses, placed in dangerous spots in the Tigers box.
The Tigers managed a few good attempts in the half, one of which was a quick turning shot from Jensen Hudder (White's Lake, NS) that found the net, giving Dal a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the 54th minute, a Dalhousie pass deflected off a UNB defender and in for an own goal to make it 2-0.
On the goal, UNB keeper Brynn Nash (Saskatoon, SK) left the field after a collision with her own defender. Fifth-year keeper Rebecca Duda (Halifax, NS) came in to finish the game.
With the lead, Dalhousie punched the ball repeatedly up the field to keep it away from their net.
Off a free kick just outside the Tigers zone, Emily Burton (Halifax, NS) put a strong shot on target, but had it tipped over the crossbar by Tigers keeper Kate Fines (Halifax, NS).
Dalhousie controlled the momentum in the second, creating lots of activity in the Reds end, forcing their game plan on UNB.
The Reds broke through at times. Erin Foley (Ottawa, ON) put the ball in for Danika Lefebvre (Hanwell, NB), but Fines dove out to cover the ball before she could get a shot off.
Moments later, Madison Goertz (Saskatoon, SK) drew a penalty kick and MJ Miller (Hammonds Plains, NS) fired it pass Fines to cut the lead to one with 15 minutes to play.
Burton connected with Clarisse Ramirez (Ottawa, ON) on a long pass and came close to a tying goal, but the Reds would fall short as the Tigers played strong defence to close out the game.
Maya Venkataraman (Summerland, BC) of Dalhousie was named Subway Player of the Game.
Up next for UNB is a home match against the Acadia Axewomen, next Saturday, at 1:00pm at UNB's BMO Centre.
Dal takes on Moncton next Saturday.