Maillet Leads REDS On The Rock
(ST. JOHN'S, NL) In an incredibly physical game, Sophia Maillet's (Fredericton, NB) goal in the 79th minute gave the UNB REDS a 1-0 win over the Memorial Sea-Hawks in the opening game of their weekend series in St. John's.
"It was a really tight game between two even teams," said REDS' head coach Jon Crossland. "There were a ton of chances for either side, but it was good to see Sophia finish that one after some good work down the line."
With both teams coming off big wins, the first half of the match was intense, yielding many shots on net and scoring opportunities for each team. Both were continually shut down by keepers.
Sea-Hawks forward Jen Milligan (Strathroy, ON) had an early chancel, but was quickly turned away by REDS keeper Ava Henry (Baldwin, ON).
REDS fullback Aurora Hughes-Goyette (Garibaldi Highlands, BC) broke the mid-game tension with an attempt but fired the ball just wide.
Sea-Hawks forward Zoe Rowe followed that with a header attempt, but Henry was not letting anything through.
In the wake of another Sea-Hawks chance, the REDS finally broke through with Maillet's goal. Initially saved by Memorial goalie Leana Claude (Grenchen, SWI), a second touch from Maillet rolled the ball into the net.
The REDS had a chance to add to their lead in the dying moments on a strong shot by Helen Langrehr (Munich, GER), but Claude held her ground and the full-time whistle blew moments later.
"It was a full team effort," said Crossland. "We used all 17 out players and our subs were key. We had some heavy legs to start, but they gave us a shot of life and energy which helped in the second half."
The win is the second straight for UNB, now 2-1-0 while Memorial is now 1-2-0.
The teams tangle again Saturday in the weekend series finale. Game time is 4:30pm Atlantic.
RECAP AND PHOTOS: MUN Athletics