Coach's Corner - Men's Soccer - Week #4 Update
OCTOBER 3: UNB HOSTS MTA
For this first time in a long time, weather was not going to have a negative effect on the game. The perfect playing conditions allowed for some fine play from both teams. UNB took early control of the match as they were able to keep possession and quickly work the ball around the pitch. This led to numerous MTA fouls and some good chances on goal for the V-Reds. It was off of a free kick from 25 yards out that Ken Morrison almost opened the scoring, only to have his swerving shot punched out of the corner by the MTA keeper. Morrison got his revenge on the ensuing corner kick when he curled the ball directly into the top corner. UNB had a few more good chances but ended the half with only the one goal lead. MTA came out with a purpose to start the second half and the UNB side were too late to match it. Just four minutes into the second frame and MTA’s pressure caused a costly turn-over in UNB’s end resulting in the equalizing goal. UNB picked their game up over the final 20 minutes. Ken Morrison and Shea Nordheim both had good chances to score in the closing minutes.
FINAL SCORE: UNB – 1, MTA – 1
UNB PLAYER OF THE GAME: MATT LALLY
UNB IRVING HARD HAT WINNERS: KEN MORRISON, JASON BESSEY
OCTOBER 4: UNB AT UPEI
UNB made the trek to the Island wanting to accomplish the difficult task of taking points away from the Panthers on their home field. The game had a cautious opening from both sides. For the first thirty minutes the Reds were able to move the ball but it never led to any quality shots at goal. At the thirty-five minute mark UPEI scored against the run of play when one of their midfielders slipped through some weak UNB tackles to play a ball into the box that was headed home. UPEI really picked their game up over the final ten minutes of the half and UNB was fortunate to get to the break only one down. The Reds tried to get things going offensively but never really threatened to score until the final fifteen minutes. UNB’s relentless pressure led to close calls off of a corner kick and when Shea Nordheim’s shot from inside the box missed the target.
FINAL SCORE: UNB- 0, UPEI – 1
UNB PLAYER OF THE GAME: KEN MORRISON
UNB IRVING HARD HAT WINNERS: KEN MORRISON, MATT LALLY
COACH’S COMMENTS:
We are all disappointed with dropping five points this week-end in two very close matches. We are looking forward to the Thanksgiving Break and addressing areas that need improved over the second half of the season.
UPCOMING:
OCTOBER 17: UNB HOSTS UdeM