Dalhousie University women’s soccer undefeated through first seven games
Tigers protect home field with two-win weekend
Editor’s note: the Dalhousie women’s soccer team lost 2-1 to the University of New Brunswick on Sept. 27, after this article was written. The Tigers came back to defeat UNB 1-0 on Sept. 28.
The Dalhousie University women’s soccer team opened their season strong, with a perfect record through their first seven games.
The Tigers defeated the Université de Moncton on Sept. 21, with a commanding 4-0 victory, continuing their seven-win streak.
Kicking off the match, the Tigers wasted no time making an impact. Elise Evans opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing on a rebound shot after the ball initially hit the left post.
Dalhousie held on to its lead during the first half, creating nine shots, while limiting Moncton to just one.
Though the first half ended in Dalhousie’s favour, they continued to bring the energy and generate their offensive skills, while staying consistent with their defensive structure.
The Tigers showed no signs of slowing down in the second half, as Tigers’ points leader Paris Axam scored a second goal for Dal in the 67th minute, before scoring another just two minutes later. This pushed Axam’s senior season total to five goals and four assists in just seven games.
To finish the match, Tigers midfielder Jordan Mansfield scored an insurance goal in the 72nd minute and overtook Moncton, 4-0.
“The vast majority of [the team] had played good soccer before they came in, so they were prepared and ready to go,” says Cindy Tye, the team’s head coach.
Tye says it’s important to give young players the opportunity to learn from team veterans.
“We love to give the young players minutes,” she says. “We’ve had two kids in their first year play significant minutes in the midfield. So, getting that contact time is important.”
By the end of the match, Dalhousie outshot Moncton 17-1.
The Tigers only gave up four goals, while scoring 20 in their first seven games. Though Dal is off to a strong start, Tye says the team is taking things day by day.
“We treat each game the same as the last one,” she says. “It’s just one step at a time.”
The next match will be on the road, as the Tigers take on Cape Breton University on Oct. 5.
