(FREDERICTON, NB) In their regular season finale, the UNB REDS were defeated 2-0 by the STFX X-Women on a Saturday afternoon at UNB's BMO Campus.
"I think we were probably emotionally, physically and physiologically hung over from yesterday's game," said UNB head coach Jon Crossland. "I thought that showed in the first half, especially with this group. We talked about at halftime that we've been two down a lot this season and found a way to come back so why not one more time."
Amanda Smith (Ottawa, ON) contributed two goals for the X-Women, sealing an undefeated regular season.
The X-Women took an early lead in the 13th minute when Smith converted a cross from Lauren Reid (Kanata, ON) for her first of the game, putting them ahead 1-0.
In the 20th minute, STFX had an opportunity to extend their lead to two after an unforced turnover by the UNB defense left Ava Elgood (Ottawa, ON) one-on-one with only the keeper to beat. However, UNB's goalkeeper, Lauren Kelly (Fredericton, NB), made a crucial save to keep the REDS trailing by just one.
Despite the loss, Kelly made a valiant effort recording six saves on the day.
The X-Women scored their insurance goal in the 38th minute when Smith scored her second of the game. A shot from Cheyeene Bower (London, ON) hit the post and bounced in front of Smith, who managed to slip it past Kelly despite her getting a hand on the ball.
The X-Women carried a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Smith had an opportunity to complete her hat-trick in the 55th minute when she had an open look, but her shot hit the post.
The REDS did their best to pick up the pressure in the second half, creating a number for scoring opportunities, but were unable to beat the STFX defense and X-Women goalkeeper Christina Gentile (Laval, QC), who finished with a clean sheet in Saturday's victory.
"We just felt like there were some tactical things for sure, but we just felt we weren't being the aggressors," said Crossland. "That's what we asked them to do in the second half. If it's the last 45 minutes of the season there's nothing to save ourselves for regardless of what the score ends up being, let's feel good about how the second half goes."
Saturday's loss marks the end of UNB's season, with a final record of 2-6-4, leaving them just outside of the final AUS playoff spot.
"We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to play the two best teams on the last weekend of the season to try and get points and get ourselves in the playoffs," said Crossland. "I think our season was dictated by dropping points against the teams who are around us in the standings for a playoff spot."
The undefeated X-Women now wait to find out who they'll face in the AUS Championship tournament.
RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics