Tigers top Huskies 2-1 in season opener

(Halifax, NS) – In the 2018-19 AUS soccer season opener, the Dalhousie Tigers hosted the Saint Mary's Huskies in the Crosstown Derby at the Halifax Wanderers Grounds. After an explosive first half, the Tigers came out on top in the season opener by a score of 2-1. 

The Tigers maintained the advantage of possession in the early minutes of the game, with offensive chances being scarce. It took until the 15^thminute for a chance coming from the boot of Jensen Hudder, (White's Lake, NS) who took a hard strike from the top of the box that was handled cleanly by Ashley Blank (Cole Harbour, NS). 

Just moments later the Tigers were able to break the deadlock. Riley Donovan (Toronto, ON) sent a shot into the box that was deflected, but stayed there long enough for Maya Venkatarman (Summerland, BC) to clean up the rebound to open the scoring. 

After a collision at the edge of the box resulted in a straight red for Tigers keeper Kate Fines (Halifax, NS), Paige Vincent (Dartmouth, NS) was awarded a penalty. Vincent stepped up to the dot against substitute keeper Sam Corcoran (Ottawa, ON) and fired her shot to the left side. Corcoran picked the correct side, and was able to make the initial stop, but Vincent charged in after the shot and put away the rebound to tie it up at 1-1. 

Answering back just a few minutes later, Jensen Hudder send in a looping shot from well outside the box that curled over the head of Blank to give the Tigers the advantage heading into the break at 2-1. 

The second half was full of strong possession play, but very little in terms of scoring chances. 

The only action in the half came from a strike at the top of the box from Anelise Karakostas (Victoria, BC), but it was swallowed up by Corcoran to keep her team in front. 

After a very quiet second half, the final whistle blew to make the final score 2-1 for the Tigers, taking the victory in the season opener. 

The Subway Player of the Game for this one was Jensen Hudder of the Tigers, for her game winning goal. 

Both teams will be back in action Sunday when the the Huskies host the Acadia Axewomen and the Tigers travel to Mount Allison. 

Dalhousie Communications