Sunday, November 6, 2011
Emma Landrys’ goal in the 1st minute of the 2nd half was all the Dalhousie Tigers needed to win their 11th AUS Women’s soccer championship as the Tigers downed the UPEI Panthers 2-0 Sunday afternoon in Fredericton.
Landry hammered home a rebound of a Doriana Homerski shot from close range leading the Tigers to their first title since 2002. Dalhousie added a 2nd goal late in extra time knocking a 30 yarder into an empty Panther net as all UPEI players, including the keeper, had moved into the Tiger 18 yard box as they attempted one final set piece.
UPEI opened the final much the way they did the semi final, a brisk win in their face and the opponent controlling much of the play. Dalhousie, as is their custom, controlled the play with numerous short passes and a determined composure on the ball. The Panthers limited the Tigers to a couple of shots and handful of scoring chances, but had neither a shot or chance of their own in the half.
Landry dashed any thoughts an exchange of field position would favour the Panthers in the second half, scoring her 2nd goal in as many days. While neither team generated much offense in the half it was evident Dalhousie was the better team on the day. UPEI could not get a good foot on the ball all day. They moved a fullback up with 20 minutes to play, moved another one up with 10 minutes remaining, playing with just 2 at the back but they had no solution for the Dalhousie team. They finished the game with 2 shots, 2 chances and 2 corners compared to the Tigers 6 shots, 10 chances and 3 corners.
The game mark the end for the careers of Andrea Archibald, Chelsie McInnis and captain Sara Stewart, all 1st team all stars and Academic All Canadians. “I’m very proud of our team and will miss these fine student athletes. They have added greatly to the soccer program at UPEI” commented Panther coach Mike Redmond.
On Saturday, Stewart propelled the Panthers into the final with a goal 11 minutes into overtime, heading home an Archibald corner to down defending champion Cape Breton 1-0. UPEI played the last 17minutes of the game down a player after Maria Scichilone received her 2nd yellow card of the day. She was not available for the final.
Dalhousie also eked into the final, scoring in extra time to defeat Saint Mary’s 3-2.
Dalhousie will be the lone AUS representative at the CIS championships, beginning later this week at McGill.
Department of Athletics