Women’s Soccer
It was a double-header weekend for the UKC soccer teams as they took on challenges from Holland College and Saint Thomas University. Facing Holland College on Saturday, the UKC women looked to gain some crucial ground in the standings. The Hurricanes got out to an early lead with a goal by Emily LePine in the 13th minute. The game remained locked at 1-0 until the 63rd minute when the Hurricane’s Reece Kelly scored to make it 2-0. UKC’s Tia Lovegrove attempted to lead a late game comeback with a goal in the 87th minute but it proved to be too late. The match ended in a 2-1 loss for the Blue Devils.
The women traveled to Fredericton on Sunday to face Saint Thomas. The first half of the game was a neutral affair with scoring opportunities coming from both sides but neither team was able to capitalize. An 80th minute goal by Saint Thomas’ Jayci Peck put the Tommie’s up late in the game. Peck’s goal would be the decider as the match finished 1-0 in favour of Saint Thomas.
The losses for the women will make the road to the playoffs much more challenging as they sit seven points back from fourth place Saint Thomas. With remaining games against Dal AC, UNBSJ and STU, it is possible for the Blue Devils to make up the ground they need. Sitting in sixth place in the standings and with only three matches remaining, the Blue Devils will need to win at home to STU, while picking a draw and a win from their other two fixtures to have a chance at making the playoffs.
Results:
@HC 1-2 Loss
@STU 0-1 Loss
Next Matches:
@Dal AC, October 20, 6 p.m.
vs. STU, October 22, 1 p.m.
vs. UNBSJ, October 23, 11 a.m.
Men’s Soccer
On the men’s side, an early goal by rookie Michael Zinck put the Blue Devil’s up 1-0 against the hurricanes. The hurricanes bounced back quickly with an equalizer goal by Mohammad Alhaj-Ali in the 23rd minute. The two teams remained grid locked for the remainder of the game not being able to get past each other’s defenses. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
They then faced Saint Thomas where they faced stiff competition. Saint Thomas’s Brett Springer scored the contest’s first goal in the 38th minute and continued to ride his momentum scoring all of the Tommie’s four goals. Despite efforts by Deandre Paris and Matt Hines who both registered a shot on goal respectively, the Kingsmen weren’t able to break past Tommie’s goalie Luke Ewen. The match ended in a 4-0 loss for the Blue Devils.
The Blue Devils currently sit third in the ACAA standings behind the Hurricanes and Tommies. With three games left in the season and playoff spot secured, the men will soon turn their focus to the postseason where they are likely to face Holland College in the first round.
Results:
@HC 1-1 Draw
@STU 0-4 Loss
Next Matches:
@Dal AC, October 20, 8 p.m.
vs. STU, October 22, 3:15 p.m.
vs. UNBSJ, October 23, 1:15 p.m.
