The UNB Saint John Men’s soccer team took to the field on Sunday to host the undefeated Holland College Hurricanes in their second home game of the season at the Canada Games Stadium.
Despite the cold weather, the Seawolves looked spirited and confident, coming off a big win the day before against Dal AC.
Holland College maintained possession of the ball for the majority of the first half, however the Seawolves had many opportunities to score, but were denied each time.
The Saint John squad held their own, defending well which saw the first forty-five minutes scoreless for both teams.
The second half was intense as the Seawolves defence battled hard against the Hurricanes strikers, including Ibrahima Sanoh, who posed a big threat as this season’s leading scorer for Holland College.
Huge efforts came from the entire Seawolves squad, with a few close calls on offence and defence.
UNB Saint John forwards Matt “Smitty” Smith and Mackenzie Tamblyn both had two shots on goal throughout the game keeping the Hurricanes on their toes.
Fifth year defender, Kyle Watson, showed his mature skill set and was a key in keeping the Hurricanes off the scoreboard.
In the 69th minute, Jatly Jardine of the Hurricanes, received a red card after a dangerous play resulted in massive collision between Jardine and Seawolves’ keeper, Bruce Savoie.
“It was a red card, and it was what he deserved. Nothing malicious, just not a safe play,” said Savoie who required a stoppage of play to recover.
Luckily, the Seawolves keeper bounced back quickly and made a huge save just seconds after the red card.
During the final twenty minutes of play, Savoie managed to stop a five shot barrage from the powerful Hurricanes forwards who are not used to being kept off the scoreboard.
After ninety minutes of energetic performances from both teams the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
Even though the Seawolves couldn’t pull off a win, keeping the undefeated Hurricanes’ scoreless was a huge victory.
“It’s a great result,” said Seawolves head coach, David Vincente. “We came into this thinking we could give them a run, and we did.”
Savoie was also proud of his team’s effort saying, “it would’ve been nice to capitalize when they were down a man, but any points against a big team like that is huge.”
Vincente echo’s Savoie’s comments about pulling off the draw.
“I think it’s a massive point for us, points that most teams in the league probably will not get. It just shows that we can play with them and mentally, it’s a big win for us.”
The Seawolves’ next game takes place on Wednesday, September 28 at 8pm at Crandall University as they face the Chargers for the first time this season. The game will also be live streamed on ACAA TV.