(SAINT JOHN, NB) The UNB REDS remain in contention for an Atlantic University Sport playoff berth after a 2-1 win over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues, on Saturday afternoon.
The game was played at the REDS' 2021 home away from home, the Canada Games Stadium, at UNB Saint John.
"It's a huge win for us," said REDS' striker Madison Goertz (Saskatoon, SK), who had both of UNB's goals. "That three points might kick us into the playoffs."
Moncton had the first real scoring chance in the 13th minute when Leila Karam (Bromont, QC) broke down the left wing and past a REDS defender. REDS' keeper Brynn Nash (Saskatoon, SK) got the slightest of touches on the ball, directing it wide of the UNB net.
Two minutes later, off a free kick, Moncton's Zoé Brockbank (Grand Digue, NB) headed the ball past Nash to give the Aigles Bleues an early 1-0 lead.
15 minutes after that, UNB's Jesse Bellamy made a nifty move around a Moncton defender and broke down the right wing. Her crossing pass to Goertz was perfect, and Goertz evened the score on a simple re-direct.
"Her (Bellamy's) ability to dribble past that back line and get past them in order to cross the ball in to me, find my feet, was amazing, incredible, today," said Goertz.
Goertz struck again, in the 38th minute, on a similar crossing play from Bellamy, and UNB took a 2-1 lead into halftime.
"I actually had a dream last night that I scored, ran across the back line, like I did today, and finished on net, just past the keeper and ran to the corner and celebrated with my team. That was my dream," said Goertz.
Despite a series of second half free kicks and corners in the Moncton zone, the REDS could not add to their lead, but were able to hold on for the win.
With the loss, the Aigles Bleues fall to 0-and-10.
Despite their record, Moncton keeper Chelsea Burnham (Saint John, NB) said the team remains upbeat.
"It's tough mentally, but we're really focusing on having a positive attitude," said Burnham. "Maturity and a good mentality, and hopefully, by next year, we'll have some good momentum coming into the next season."
For Burnham, it was her first AUS game in her hometown.
"It was nice to play in my hometown, for once. It wasn't supposed to happen at all, so it was kind of nice."
With the win, the REDS record is now 4-5-2.
UNB plays their final regular season game next Friday, when they host Mount Allison.
Moncton travels to Memorial next weekend for games on Friday and Saturday.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Kevin Barrett/for UNB Athletics