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University of New Brunswick

Varsity Reds tie Bishop's 0-0 in second pre-season match-up

Varsity Reds tie Bishop's 0-0 in second pre-season match-up
Box Score
August 30, 2014


The Varsity Reds' women's soccer team tied Bishop's University's Gaiters 0-0 today in the second of two pre-season matches at BMO Field.

The game got off to a slow start this morning, as both UNB and Bishop's struggled to find some rhythm with the ball.  Intensity rose as play continued towards the end of the first half and into the second. But although UNB saw some excellent chances with three shots hitting the crossbar and an exciting series of plays around the 90-minute mark, they were unable to turn those opportunities into goals.

Head coach Jon Crossland says that's something he knew this team would have to work on going into the regular season.

"We've played four exhibition games and we've given up two goals in those exhibition games which is good news for us," Crossland said.

"I guess the other side of that is that we only scored four goals in those exhibition games, so we knew that was going to be an area that we have to focus a lot on and I think it's going to continue to be a work in progress as we get ready for the start."

In goal for the Varsity Reds today was recent addition Sami Jo Bell. Bell played the previous two seasons with the Huskies at Saint Mary's University and recently transferred to UNB. Over her two seasons with the Huskies, Bell had a 10-5-3 record with eight shut-outs. 
 
Crossland says she has the potential to be a game-changer.
"She's going to give us a lot of leadership and confidence back there," he said.  "She's vocal so she's very good at organizing and that's massive for our group. And she gives our girls confidence - confidence to play a more offensive style knowing that she's back there and she can really make saves and anchor us."

Bell is expected to start for the Varsity Reds when they travel to St. John's to play Memorial in their first regular season game on September 6. The Varsity Reds play their next home game on September 13. They host Cape Breton University at 1pm.