REDS Edge X-Women
(ANTIGONISH, NS) Veteran midfielder Aurora Hughes-Goyette headed home the winning goal in added time as the UNB REDS beat the STFX X-Women 2-1, Sunday afternoon, in Antigonish.
Hughes-Goyette shook off a defender on a REDS' free kick from just outside the box and headed the ball to the top right corner of the net, giving the REDS their second victory of the season.
"Carol (Grzesniak) played a perfect ball to the back post, and I was in the right place at the right time," said Hughes-Goyette. "I held off my defender, used my speed to get by her, and just put everything into it. The feeling after that goal was nothing but pure joy and pride."
"It showed a lot of character," said REDS' head coach Jon Crossland of Sunday's win. "The girls, after conceding a goal late, were able to come back and find a way to win. It was really impressive. I thought our game against X today was probably our best 90-minute performance of the season, thus far."
Sunday's win followed Saturday's 0-0 draw at Cape Breton.
Breanna Habinski made four saves in the REDS' net for the clean sheet. CBU's Ellie Lancaster was equally solid, making four saves as well.
"Against Cape Breton, it just felt like we never really felt comfortable in the game and never settled in for long periods and keep the ball and possess the ball," said Coach Crossland. "It was hot, and it was a battle."
The single point earned in Saturday's draw was the first point earned by UNB in Sydney since a 1-1 draw on September 12, 2015.
On Sunday, Lauren Clark gave UNB a first half lead, but the X-Women tied it up in the 85th minute.
"We came out strong today and dominated every second of the game," said Hughes-Goyette. "When X scored on us, I knew that wouldn't be the end, that we had another goal coming."
The REDS are now 2-0-1 (W-L-T), good for share of second place in the AUS standings.
UNB returns home to host Memorial (3-1-0) on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.
"We were relentless this weekend and I think this just shows what we're capable of," said Hughes-Goyette.
WEEKEND RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS with files from STFX and CBU
PHOTO: Bryan Kennedy/STFX Athletics