CAPERS Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams are Nationals Bound (Again!)

CAPERS Men’s Soccer Win 4th AUS Title in a Row 

The undefeated Cape Breton CAPERS continued their dominance of the AUS with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over St. Francis Xavier to win their fourth straight title. The CAPERS scored both goals in overtime as the X-Men defended well the whole game.

The CAPERS had possession of the ball almost the entire night as St. FX chose to play a very defensive system against the highest-scoring team in the AUS. It almost worked as X’s backline cleared ball after ball all game. Josh Read (Bath, UK) was especially effective stopping numerous CAPER scoring chances. Keeper Seamus MacDonald (Antigonish, NS) also made several dazzling saves to keep the game scoreless through 90 minutes.

The CAPERS also played stellar defence and didn’t allow a single shot on goal. Peter Schaale (Bernkastel-Keus, DE) and Euan Bauld (East Lothian, UK) formed a dynamic pair at the back keeping the X forwards at bay. It was Schaale in the 98 minute who broke the deadlock connecting on a corner kick into the box from Marcus Campanile (Edinburg, UK). The goal forced St. FX to open up a bit and in the 105 minute, Charlie Waters (Lancashire, UK) finished a pass from Cory Bent (Preston, UK) to seal the victory.

Ben Jackson (Bury, UK) didn’t face any shots in the clean sheet victory. MacDonald stopped 6 of 8 in a losing cause.

Both teams will now travel to Montreal for the U Sports National Championships being hosted by the University of Montreal November 7 to 10. 

• Subway Player of the Game – Peter Schaale
• Player of the Game for – Josh Read
• Tournament MVP- Charlie Waters

CAPERS Women’s Soccer Win 3rd AUS Title in a Row

The host team Cape Breton University CAPERS defeated the #1 seed and previously unbeaten Acadia Axewomen 3-2  to win their 11^th AUS title and third in a row. Rookie sensation Alliyah Rowe (Kitchener, ON) factored in all 3 goals.

The first half featured some high winds that impacted the gameplay. The Axewomen playing with the wind were able to pin the CAPERS in their own half for long stretches of the game. Jenna Boudreau (Halifax, NS) and Jacqueline Stevens (Kentville, NS) each scored within one minute to stun the hometown CAPERS. The CAPERS Rachel Leck (Pickering, ON) scored in the 31 minute to cut the lead in half and enter the dressing room trailing 2-1.

In the second half, the high winds subsided and the CAPERS came out strong. The CAPERS were able to hold possession early in the second half. Rowe was able to connect on a Mackenna King (Barrie, ON) cross to tie the game in the 60^th minute. Rowe followed that up with a beautiful kick into the top corner of the net in 62 minute. The CAPERS were able to defend the final 25 minutes by controlling the ball at the back and clearing any dangerous balls away.

Senior keeper Rachel Yerxa (Mississauga, ON) saved three of the five shots she faced for the victory. Acadia keeper Sarah Charnock (Newmarket, ON) turned aside 4 of 7 shots in a losing effort. Rowe finished with 2 goals and 1 assist.

With the win, the CAPERS will now travel to Victoria for the U Sports National Championships being hosted by the University of Victoria, November 7 to 10. Acadia will also represent the AUS at the U Sports Championships.

• Subway Player of the Game – Alliyah Rowe
• Player of the Game for  Acadia –  Jenna Boudreau
• Tournament MVP-  Alliyah Rowe