(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds women's soccer team scored two first-half goals on route to a 2-0 win over the University of Maine-Fort Kent Bengals, in exhibition play, at BMO Centre, Saturday afternoon.
Nicola Small's goal, in the 14th minute, stood as the winner.
"It felt amazing," said the midfielder.
Small converted a crossing pass inside the 18-yard box.
"Lindsay(Lohnes) laid it off to Lauren(Cubbon) down the right, and Lauren took one-versus-one and cut it back inside and it was just an easy tap in for me."
Cubbon, a fourth year striker, would add UNB's second goal, just four minutes later.
Varsity Reds head coach Jon Crossland was pleased with what he saw.
"There was some really good pieces there," said Crossland, whose team will face the Bishop's University Gaiters, on Sunday, in another pre-season contest.
"We got some benchmarks out of that. The game kind of lulled in the second half, it got kind of slow, but for being one day into training camp and playing a game, it was to be expected."
Crossland says he and his staff will review the game tape Saturday night, and make adjustments for Sunday's game.
Small is looking forward to Sunday, buoyed by her goal, and what she feels was good team effort.
"It really built up my confidence, definitely, scoring that, and just running with the girls and having a good start, communicating, and for the first years, it was a good start for them as well."
Coach Crossland agrees.
"Everyone played, everyone contributed, and we won and didn't concede any goals, so that's a positive."
The Bengals return to action Sunday as well. They face Acadia, at BMO Centre, in a game that starts at 2:00.
The Varsity Reds and Bishop's kick off at 5:00.
The UNB men take on the McGill Redmen at 7:00.