Huskies defeat Aigles Bleues 2-0 for second straight win

MONCTON, NB – Saint Mary's forwards Cara Freeman and Lindy Brunelle each scored in the first half, leading the Huskies to their second straight victory, a 2-0 win over the Moncton Aigles Bleues on Friday night in Moncton, NB.

The Huskies offence looked dangerous throughout the first half, generating several quality scoring opportunities – the best chance of the first 15 minutes came off a corner kick, with Saint Mary's forward Cara Freeman (Halifax, NS) narrowly missing a header over the crossbar.

But moments later, Freeman and the Huskies would break through. A great build up saw midfielder Cassidy Wells (Ottawa, ON) play a perfect throughball to Charlotte Baines (Halifax, NS) up the right wing. Baines then crossed in front to Cara Freeman, who volleyed it past the Aigles Bleues goalkeeper. Freeman's second goal of the season put the Huskies ahead 1-0 in the 17^th minute.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

A great team passing play ends with Charlotte Baines finding Cara Freeman for her second goal of the season! Huskies lead 1-0 in the 17th minute! pic.twitter.com/KkoIB4wVZv

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) September 13, 2024

The Aigles Bleues pushed for an equalizer, but some great defensive positioning from Huskies centre backs Madlyn Blinn (Lower Sackville, NS) and Madison Ganong (Riverview, NB) thwarted several Moncton scoring threats.

Saint Mary's would double their lead in the 42^nd minute, thanks to another wonderful delivery from Cassidy Wells, who found forward Lindy Brunelle (Keswick, ON) speeding by a defender on the left wing, and Brunelle was able to deliver a hard shot into the bottom right corner to put the Huskies ahead 2-0, which would be the score heading into half.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Cassidy Wells with a beautiful pass and Lindy Brunelle finishes it off with a powerful shot to put the Huskies ahead 2-0 in the 42nd minute! pic.twitter.com/ek6bop7YQn

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) September 13, 2024

The second half saw more of the same, as the Huskies offence was firing on all cylinders, being credited with 14 shots including seven on goal in the match. Some of the best chances of the second half included Madlyn Blinn and Cara Freeman both firing shots off the crossbar, and quality attempts from reserve forwards Brooke Donovan (Moncton, NB) and Brooklyn Salguiero (Dartmouth, NS). Despite the chances, the Huskies were not able to add to their tally, but held on for the 2-0 victory.

The Huskies second straight win improves their record to 2-2-1 on the campaign. They'll continue their road swing on Saturday, visiting the UNB REDS (3-1-0) at 3 p.m. in Fredericton, N.B.

The Aigles Bleues loss snaps a two-game win streak, dropping their record to 2-2-1 on the season. Moncton will also take on the UNB REDS next, Sunday at 1 p.m. in Fredericton.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics