Sea~Hawks Soccer Teams Kick off Varsity Season at Home

 

The fall semester may only be three days old, but the 2011 AUS soccer season kicks off this weekend as the Sea~Hawks play host to the UNB Varsity Reds at King George V Park. Game times are slated for 1pm on Saturday, as the women get the ball rolling, followed by the men’s team taking the field at 3:15pm. The women’s team will take the field once again at 11am on Sunday, while the men engage in an afternoon matinee scheduled for 1:15pm.

 

It has been a whirlwind week for both the men’s and women’s teams as both teams have been busy with team tryouts, fitness testing, and getting adjusted to the first week of class. Despite a grueling week, excitement is rapidly building as both teams are looking to start the season off on the right foot with a pair of wins. Both teams look relatively injury free to start the season, which should provide coaches with the opportunity to field their best rosters this weekend.

 

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team will look to bounce back after a disappointing 2010 campaign, in the hopes of returning as an AUS Championship contender. Fitness test results show that the team is in shape and should be able to play an aggressive style of play. With a crop of young talent, but plenty of experience in net, the Sea-Hawks look to the advantage of playing at home to open the season.

 

Head coach Walt Mavin will return at the helm as bench boss for the Sea~Hawks with numerous key players from last season joining him. Simone Quinlan and Keira Eavis will provide depth in goal and the keepers will have a solid supporting cast in the backfield. Laura Tilley will bring poise, hard work and leadership as she returns for her fourth year accompanied by veteran Lauren Murphy on the backline.

 

After a scoring drought last season, the Sea~Hawks frontline looks quite promising on paper. Maxine Morris, the Sea~Hawks leading goal scorer from last season will likely lead the charge up front. Returning for her third season with the red and white is forward Heather Williams. After an injury riddled 2010 season, Williams is expected to bounce back. During her rookie campaign in 2009, she netted three goals and was third on the team in scoring. Sea~Hawks fans are optimistic a healthy Williams will produce this season. After a solid rookie seasons, Maria Oliver and Jennifer Burry will return to help form what should be a dynamic, and quick offense.

 

Player to watch - UNB

Look out for 2010 AUS second team all star Heather Ambery who will suit up for her fourth season with the Varsity Reds. The mid fielder led her team with 4 goals last season and was tied for ninth in the AUS in points.

 

Head to Head Match-up 2010

UNB 3 MUN 0

UNB finished just outside the playoff picture in 2010, finishing in 7th place in regular season standings.

 

Men’s Soccer

After a lackluster 2009 season, the Sea~Hawks came into the 2010 season with a new approach, exhibiting a strong sense of team, an air of confidence and a work ethic that showed a true commitment to winning. Finishing 6th in the conference with a 5-5-3 record, they narrowly missed the playoffs due to Moncton qualifying as the championship host team. Despite losing senior and team captain Andre Le, the Sea~Hawks have some key pieces returning and should emerge as a team bound for the playoffs.

 

Coach Scott Betts returns this season with a core group from last season, with the hope that veteran guys can emerge and help propel them into playoff contention once again. The Sea~Hawks leading scorer last season, Steven Delong looks great heading into camp and hopes to continue finding the back of the net. Antigonish native and rookie standout from last season, Alec Benson will return with the team after spending his summer training with his club team the Antigonish Islanders. Another key returning player is midfielder Matthew Hamlyn, who was on the shelf last season with an injury. Ryan Yetman also returns to the roster after a year off last season and Matthew Breen will likely have some confidence heading into the season after coming off the game winning goal in the Challenge Cup final less than a week ago.

 

The backfield for the Sea~Hawks is looking strong once again this season and will be anchored by some key veterans. With players such as Chris Pope and Jeff Slaney returning, teams will be in tough when going up against the Sea~Hawks backline. With some fresh faces expected to crack the roster this year, look for Slaney and Pope to offer valuable leadership and experience throughout the season.

 

Player to watch on UNB: 6'4" striker Galen Smith is expected to suit up for his final year with the Varsity Reds. The senior led the team in scoring last season with 4 goals and was tied for 9th in the conference in scoring. Perhaps a more impressive statistic is that of the 4 goals Smith scored last season, 3 were game winners. .

 

Head to Head Match-up 2010

UNB 2 Memorial 0

UNB finished just two points ahead of Memorial in regular season standings

 

For more information, contact Justin Fowler, 864-4506