Firstbrook scores in loss to X-Women

Written by Ryan Hyndman, Dalhousie Athletics

The Dalhousie Tigers women's soccer team dropped a close afternoon match 2-1 against the StFX X-Women at Wickwire Field on Saturday.

The X-Women began the match with a quick start as Brynn Jurus (Ancaster, ON) scored with a nice chip shot near the top of the box in the 5' minute. Both teams were exchanging good possession time before StFX's Amanda Smith (Ottawa, ON)  took a shot, just missing the goal to the right.

Over the next few minutes the Tigers pushed to get a goal of their own, with possession in the X-Women's end, resulting in a corner kick from Olivia Jack (Stillwater Lake, NS). In the 31' StFX was awarded a penalty kick after Smith was taken down in the top of the box. Looking to take the lead Smith lined up for the penalty before the shot was stopped with a great diving save by Dalhousie keeper Emily Toth (Markam, ON). The Tigers ended the half with some looks toward the net to no luck as the first ended 1-0 for StFX.

Dalhousie began the second half with several aggressive rushes to the StFX end, before the X-Women brought it back down the field earning a corner kick. The kick dropped right in front of the goal but was once again stopped by Toth. The X-Women continued to push for their second goal with Smith getting another shot on goal in the 55' once again denied by Toth. StFX remained in the Tigers end getting another shot on goal in the 61' which was blocked by Bailey Hatcher (Middle Sackville, NS).

Their persistence would be rewarded as shortly after a corner kick, Abby Steen buried a rebound to make it 2-0 X-Women in the 65'. After the teams continued to exchange possessions looking for the match's next goal, the Tigers were awarded a free kick just outside the X-Women's box. Dalhousie's Jack lined up for the kick, getting it inside the box for Hannah Firstbrook (Nepean, ON) to head it home for the Tigers to make it 2-1 with 3 minutes to play. As the final minutes played out, Dalhousie looked to tie it, but the X-Women held steady taking home the 2-1 win.

Hannah Firstbrook took home the Player of the Game honours for Dalhousie.

The Tigers are back in action and will look to get back in the win column next Friday, September 29th against Acadia in Wolfville.

The X-Women will look to extend their winning streak when they play tomorrow, September 24th against Acadia in Wolfville.