X Edges VReds

(FREDERICTON, NB) The St. FX X-Women controlled the majority of the play, and earned maximum points in a 1-0 win over the UNB Varsity Reds, Sunday afternoon, at BMO Centre, in Fredericton.

Chloe Brennan(Brookside, NS) scored in the 28^th minute, off an improvised play from a corner kick. That goal stood as the winner.

"It was kind of an elaboration on a set play," said Brennan. "It's not what we had planned and we just kind of made do with what they set up against us."

Mercy Myles(Accra, GHA) made a quick pass to Brennan from the corner spot, and Brennan was able to lob the ball over Varsity Reds keeper Sami Jo Bell(East Dover, NS).

"I was planning on crossing it, but it went off my foot the right way. It was a lucky shot," said Brennan.

With the Atlantic University Sport regular season winding down, the game was an important one for both sides.

"We were a little bit too passive on them in the first half," said Varsity Reds head coach Jon Crossland. "Near the end of the first half, we started putting more pressure on them and there was a difference in the game after that."

Before that change, the X-Women got a chance to extend their lead, but a shot from close range caromed of the right post.

Trailing by one, UNB stepped up their game in the second half.

"I thought we played very well in the second half, we dictated more of the game," said Coach Crossland. "We had some good looks and made a couple of set pieces, but we didn't get a shot or get them on target, so that's tough to swallow when you're trying to get a point at the end of the game."

Despite the loss, the Varsity Reds have secured a post-season berth.

UPEI managed just single point in a draw against Moncton on Sunday. The Panthers have just a single match remaining, and can no longer catch UNB in the standings.

Still, the Varsity Reds are focused on the future.

"We have two big games next weekend, and it's six points that we have to get," said fifth year fullback Laura McNicholas(Doncaster, UK).

Coach Crossland feels the remaining games are crucial for his team as they move into the playoffs.

"Now it's just about prepping for two games next weekend, getting the points out of that," said Crossland. "We need to get some results."

Next up for the X-Women, a Wednesday date with Saint Mary's.

The Varsity Reds host Moncton, on Friday, before travelling to Mount Allison, on Saturday.