Martin scores twice as Huskies defeat REDS 2-1

HALIFAX, NS - Huskies forward Allie Martin scored twice in a minute to help Saint Mary's earn a crucial three points in a 2-1 win over the UNB REDS on Friday night in Halifax.

The Huskies got off to a strong start with forward Erin Freeman (Halifax, NS) getting an early scoring opportunity, but her shot was stopped by REDS goalkeeper Lauren Kelly (Fredericton, NB).

The Saint Mary's attack broke through in a big way in the 12^th minute. Off a throw-in, Erin Freeman played a great ball towards the REDS goal, and Allie Martin (Halifax, NS) was able to catch up and direct it past Kelly to put the home team up 1-0.

Less than a minute later, Erin Freeman forced a REDS turnover and played a pass wide to her sister Cara Freeman, who crossed it to an open Martin. Martin's initial shot was stopped by Kelly, but she followed up her own rebound to make it 2-0 Huskies.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Allie Martin scores two goals in a minute, as the Huskies defeat the UNB Reds 2-1 to earn a crucial three points! @SMU_WSoc pic.twitter.com/T3YUjyiM0K

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) September 29, 2023

The REDS were able to cut the lead in half just 12 minutes later, as a scramble after a goal kick saw Huskies goalkeeper Kaitlyn Alley (Milton, ON) make the initial save but bobble the rebound which was kicked in by REDS striker Heidi Lauwerijssen (Kensington, PEI) to cut the lead to 2-1.

Five minutes later the REDS thought they had equalized on a similar play as Lauwerijssen poked in another rebound, but the official had blown the play offside and waved off the goal.

The Huskies attackers kept on coming, with Allie Martin narrowly missing a header for the hat-trick, but neither team was able to score again in the first half, and the 2-1 score remained into half time.

Both teams made several substitutions heading into the second half, mostly notably the Huskies bringing in veteran goalkeeper Grace Morrison (Halifax, NS) to replace Alley.

Morrison was instrumental in keeping the Huskies lead, making four second half saves, including a save on REDS All-Star midfielder Carolina Grzesniak (Oshawa, ON) in the dying seconds, to secure the Huskies 2-1 victory.

Allie Martin was named Player of the Game for the Huskies with two goals.

The Huskies win improves their record to 2-4-1 on the season, including 2-1-1 over their last four games. They'll look to continue their positive momentum as they host the Moncton Aigles Bleues on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Huskies Stadium.

The REDS loss drops their record to 2-4-2. They'll look to bounce back tomorrow, as they visit the Dalhousie Tigers at 5 p.m. in Halifax.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Athletics