Coach's Corner - Men's Soccer - Week # 1 Update
SEPT. 12TH: UNB HOSTS UPEI
A perfect way to launch the new season: against traditional rivals, UPEI Panthers. The atmosphere was bolstered further by a large and loud crowd at UNB’s first-ever night game under the lights. The V-Reds were up the challenge of the occasion and played well from opening to closing whistles. The back four of Ashley Crook, Rod Ramsden, Ben law (rookie), and Karel Prickett were solid throughout the match conceding only one shot on goal that keeper, Matt Lally, handled with no issues. UNB controlled the play and created numerous opportunities in the first half. Mid-fielder, Pablo Urbina, had the best chance when his volley was deflect onto the crossbar by the Panther’s keeper. UNB made a few substitutions at the half that sparked the team’s offence. Former Mount Allison All-Star mid-fielder, Russell Carson, made his presence felt in his first game with the Reds. Winger, Amir Razak, just back from knee surgery, took full advantage of his limited playing time. It was Razak the deftly beat two Panther’s wide before cutting to the goal. He then calmly laid the ball back to Ken Morrison to crush the first-timer home from ten yards out. Razak almost added to his heroics when he drove a 25 yard shot off of the crossbar with 10 minutes remaining.
FINAL SCORE: UNB -1, UPEI – 0
UNB PLAYER OF THE GAME: AMIR RAZAK
IRVING HARD HAT WINNERS: BEN LAW & RUSSELL CARSON
SEPT. 13TH: UNB AT MOUNT ALLISON
UNB made their return to the site of their disappointing loss in last year’s AUS Championship game. It was to be another day of frustration for the Reds as the rough terrain of the Mounties’ field made it difficult for the V-Reds to get their quick passing game going. The UNB side lacked flow and composure in their game the entire first half. At the twenty minute mark, MTA jumped on a turn-over in the UNB mid-field and hit a through ball before the Reds backline could adjust. The Mounties’ striker slipped the ball past a charging Matt Lally and into the UNB goal.
UNB got re-focussed at the half and came out determined to dominate the second frame. Again it was to be Razak to spark the offence as he repeatedly cut through the MTA backline or drew free-kicks. It was off of one of these free-kick opportunities that rookie Will Allen bounced on a rebound to bury his first marker in a Reds uniform. Despite relentless pressure on the Mounties’ goal and numerous near chances, UNB was unable to find twine for a second time on this day.
FINAL SCORE: UNB – 1, MTA -1
UNB PLAYER OF THE GAME: WILL ALLEN
IRVING HARD HAT WINNER: BRAD COWPERTHWAITE
COACH’S COMMENTS: There were some real positive and promising things this week-end. The back-line looked solid and a number of new players (Will Allen, Shea Nordheim, Ben Law, and Russell Carson) looked good in their first games for the Varsity Reds.
UPCOMING:
September 18-20th UNB Soccer Alumni Week-End
Sept. 19th UNB hosts Dal * Game to be webcast from the UNB Varsity Reds web-site.
Sept. 20th UNB hosts SMU
TEAM NEWS:
After their performance in first week-end of the season, UNB has been voted into the CIS National Rankings in the 10th spot.