Huskies defeat Mounties 4-2 to clinch playoff berth
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mount Allison (1-9-2, 1-9-2) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
|
Saint Mary's (4-7-1, 4-7-1) | 2 | 2 | 4 |
HALIFAX, NS – The Saint Mary's Huskies have clinched a playoff appearance for the second straight season, defeating the Mount Allison Mounties 4-2 on Saturday afternoon at Huskies Stadium.
Prior to the Huskies final match of the season, they honoured graduating seniors Talia South, Halle Williams, Molly McLeod and Grace Morrison ahead of their final game at Huskies Stadium.
The match got to an exciting start when the Huskies were awarded a free-kick from a promising spot; Cara Freeman (Halifax, NS) rolled the ball to Erin Freeman (Halifax, NS), who unleashed a rocket shot that narrowly missed the target.
The dynamic duo of sisters would strike again in the 11th minute when Erin Freeman displayed her impeccable vision when she played a beautiful through ball, which was well controlled and shot by Cara Freeman past the Mounties goalkeeper Isabel Tanfara (Quispamsis, NB), putting the Huskies ahead 1-0.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 21, 2023
The Freeman sisters strike again! Erin sets up Cara for her ninth goal of the season, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/rZAjolbO1h
The menacing attacking threats of the Huskies paid off again in the 22nd minute when Allie Martin (Halifax, NS) played a picture-perfect cross to the midfielder Brooke Donovan (Moncton, NB), who calmly tapped the ball in the Mounties net, doubling the Huskies lead 2-0.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 21, 2023
Brooke Donovan redirects the cross from Allie Martin for her first career AUS goal, giving the Huskies a 2-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/T5aWUEkLrB
The Mounties made a fierce comeback in the 27th minute when Talia Friesen (Halifax, NS) capitalised on an opportunity. Initially, Huskies goalkeeper Grace Morrison (Halifax, NS) saved Victoria Jones's (Ajax, ON) shot well, but the rebound found its way back to Jones, who crossed the to Friesen, who struck the ball into the top corner of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 going into the second half.
The Huskies started the second half strong as Erin Freeman found the back of the net in the 51st minute with a beautiful finish, boosting the Huskies advantage to 3-1.
In a desperate attempt to make a comeback, the Mounties struck back again in the 54th minute. Nicole Doncaster (Charlottetown, PE) displayed extraordinary skill by scoring directly from a corner, bringing the score to 3-2 and reigniting Mounties' hopes.
The visitors would build another dangerous chance in the 67th minute when Victoria Jones made a great run down the wing and unleashed a thunderous shot that was saved miraculously by Grace's lightning-fast reflexes and diving efforts, denying Mounties the equaliser.
In a moment of sheer brilliance during the 82nd minute, Allie Martin showcased her exceptional skills. She embarked on a solo run from 50 yards out, dribbling past the Mounties' defenders and finding the back of the net with clinical precision, securing the Huskies victory at 4-2.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 21, 2023
Allie Martin with a tremendous run for the insurance goal, giving the Huskies a 4-2 lead! pic.twitter.com/rAQ6qnRUrm
The player of the match went to senior defender Molly McLeod for a stellar defensive performance in her final AUS regular season match.
The Huskies conclude the season with a record of 4-7-1, good for the sixth spot in the AUS Standings, and will be competing at the AUS Championship Playoffs, hosted by the Cape Breton Capers, Oct. 26-29 in Sydney, N.S.
The Mounties finish the season with a record of 1-9-2, and will miss the playoffs.
Recap by Samarth Behl / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
