(HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Dalhousie Tigers used a strong second half to defeat the Cape Breton Capers 3-1 in their home opener at Wickwire field on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers defence did an effective job during the first half of reducing a potent Capers front line from penetrating much past the 18-yard box.
Cape Breton picked up their offence in the 21st minute, as midfielder Joel Eckert-Ayensa (Pulhaim, GER) delivered an accurate shot from the right wing, but was stopped by Dalhousie goaltender TJ Leopold (Bedford, NS).
The Capers kept on pushing and would open the scoring in the 26th minute, as midfielder Marcus Campanile (Edinburgh, SCO) delivered a rocket past Leopold from well outside the box.
The hosts would respond just two minutes later, as midfielder Freddy Bekkers (Halifax, NS) took advantage of a loose ball in the Caper's area to knot the score at one.
Both sides would exchange chances in the final 15 minutes but couldn't break the deadlock, as the score remained 1-1 at halftime.
Dalhousie came out swinging in the second half, netting two goals in the opening five minutes.
Bekkers would add his second goal of the contest just over 50 minutes in, to give the Tigers their first lead, and just 40 seconds later, striker Kallen Heenan (Dartmouth, NS) would increase the score to 3-1.
The Capers kept the pressure up, but again had trouble getting through the Dalhousie back line, preserving a two-goal win for the home side.
Cape Breton's best chance of the second half occurred in the final 10 minutes and once more it came from Campanile, who booted another firm shot – this time from the left side – but it sailed just over top of the net.
The Subway Players of the Game were Bekkers for Dalhousie – with his two goals – the second of which was the eventual game winner, and Campanile for the Capers, who had Cape Breton's lone goal.
With the win, the Tigers advance to 2-0-1, while Cape Breton falls to 1-1-1.
Dalhousie's next action is tomorrow afternoon at 3:15 as they host St.FX, while the Capers will visit Mount Allison.
By: Mike Still, Dalhousie Athletics