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Women's Varsity Soccer

2009

Photo courtesy Mardon Erbland

2009 Season at a Glance

Women’s 2009 Soccer Season Summary

Memorial’s women’s soccer team began the 2009 season excited and optimistic about the opportunity to accomplish a feat never done before in Sea~Hawks history, win an AUS Championship at home. With the majority of players returning from the 2008 line-up that led the AUS in scoring, and nine talented rookies aiming to make their mark, expectations for the team were high. Unfortunately the team was unable to meet their goal of hoisting the AUS trophy on home turf, and instead was forced to watch from the sidelines as the St. FX X-Women took home their first AUS women’s soccer title in twenty-three years.

Looking back on the season, the Sea~Hawks very first game against the Mount Allison Mounties proved to be an omen for what kind of season was to come for Memorial. After taking a 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the game, and creating numerous chances to seal the win, it was not meant to be for the ‘Hawks as the Mounties went on to score the game winning goal just three minutes into injury time and take home the 3-2 victory. The disappointment continued for the Sea~Hawks as the team went on to loose seven more games, finishing with a record of 4-8-1, their worst record in recent history.

Despite the disappointing regular season, the Sea-Hawks entered the 2009 AUS Playoffs earning a spot as the host team of the championship tournament. Players and coaches were still confident that the team could make a serious run at an AUS title and the effort put forward by the ‘Hawks in the quarterfinal against Cape Breton on home turf was certainly reflective of this. With the exception of a three minute period during the second half, the Sea~Hawks outplayed and outchanced CBU from start to finish. Unfortunately the lapse in the second half allowed the Capers to build up a 2 goal lead, which they were able to maintain until the final whistle despite the Sea~Hawks’ strong push, ending the Sea~Hawks chance of an AUS title.


The quarterfinal loss was bittersweet for the entire team, especially for senior players Nichole Adams, Laura Breen, Malorie Harris and Leslie Pope who all played their final season in the Sea~Hawk red. These four seniors have all made an outstanding contribution to the women's soccer program at Memorial both on and off the field. On the field, the four seniors have combined to score an amazing 100 goals in their five seasons at Memorial, and have all been recipients of AUS award recognition over that time. In 2009, Memorial’s leading goal scorer Laura Breen found the back of the net six times and was named to the AUS First All-Star team, along side midfielder Malorie Harris. Both were also recognized on the national level with Breen being named a CIS First Team All-Canadian, and Harris named to the Second Team of All-Canadians. Off the field, fifth year Leslie Pope was recognized for her community service and volunteer work as she was named the winner of the 2009 AUS Student- Athlete Community Service Award.

While the 2009 season did not bring an AUS banner, coach Mavin is optimistic about the 2010 season. With 18 players eligible to return next season the Sea~Hawks will once again be expected to compete in the tough AUS league. Rookie keeper Keira Eavis was able to gain valuable experience playing in all 14 of the Sea~Hawks’ games in 2009, along with rookie defenders Lauren Windsor and Paula Whitten who stepped up to play key roles on the experienced veteran squad. With the loss of Breen and Harris, coach Mavin will need his best players to step up to the challenge next season and lead the Sea~Hawks back to AUS success.


2009 Season Preview