Men's Soccer - 2012-13 Season Review
The Varsity Reds came into this season determined to improve upon what had been a disappointing 2011-12 campaign. A number of changes had been made prior to the start of this year’s training camp. There were many new faces and the returning players had a new focus.
The opening week-end went well enough with a 1-0 win over MTA and a 1-1 tie on the road to Acadia. The next two weeks proved to be the low point of the season with the Reds dropping three in a row (UPEI, and U de M- twice). The Reds learned from these losses and went on an incredible run, winning their last 8 games of the season (STFX, CBU, MUN-twice, MTA, Dalhousie, UPEI, and SMU). This streak was even more impressive by the fact that all eight wins were by shut-out.
The Reds 9-3-1 record was good enough to win the league title. In the AUS Championships, UNB defeated Dalhousie 4-3 in semi-final action. The Varsity Reds met CBU Capers in the Conference Championship game where they had a disappointing 2-0 defeat. UNB qualified as one of the eight teams for the National CIS Championships held at Laval. UNB fell to eventual National Champions, UBC, and to McMaster.
There were a number of new players that had a major impact on this year’s team: Yousuf Mohammad – striker- Toronto, Oliver Jones – winger – England, George Lawton – midfield – England, Brandon Eagle – keeper – Calgary. Players graduating after this year include: Rod Ramsden – MBA, Pablo Urbina – BA, Jason Bessey – Geology, Morgan Kenney – BA.
Four members of the Varsity Reds were recognized for their strong seasons by being named AUS Conference All-Stars: Ben Law, Rod Ramsden, Jason Bessey, and Aaron MacMurray. UNB Head Coach, Miles Pinsent, was select AUS Conference Coach of the Year.
National honours were also given to Ben Law (CIS 2nd Team All-Star) and Coach Pinsent (CIS National University Coach of the Year).