Women’s soccer team win first game

The young Dalhousie women’s soccer team won their first game of the season, 2-0, at home against the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.

With seven rookies on the team, the Tigers’ win was partly due to establishing a program where new players can be brought in, ready to contribute to the team’s success.

“The senior players have worked very hard to get the program to a point where we can bring in some young kids and the young kids have come in ready to go, so I think there’s a mutual respect there,” said Head Coach Cindy Tye.

The V-Reds dominated the first part of the game by controlling possession. UNB came close to opening the scoring when fullback Cierra Thomas hit the post off of a corner kick.

The first goal of the game came 16 minutes in from Tigers striker, Jensen Hudder; the fourth-year buried a penalty kick into the low right corner following a handball in the box.

Dal struck again at the 27-minute mark of the half. Midfielder Rachelle Lalande scored on a beautifully placed corner kick that sailed into the corner of the net.

The Tigers were pleased with how they capitalized on their opportunities in the game.

“I think we are miles ahead of where we were last year already,” said Tigers Captain Amanda Bowles, “I think we did a really great job of finishing our chances and playing as a team.”

With just over two minutes to go in the game, a collision near half sent Dal striker Haley Birrell to the ground. While there was no foul on the play, after the game the rookie had an ice pack strapped to her head. She played in the team’s next game so she ended up being fine.

The Tigers are looking forward to more success during the rest of the season. Their home opener has given them an indication of where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

“I was pleased with the game,” said Tye. “It’s a good starting point for us, it gives us lots of good pictures to work with and then some that we really need to work toward to be better at, so it’s a good start.”