(FREDERICTON, NB) The Dalhousie Tigers scored on a penalty in added time to beat the UNB REDS 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, at UNB's BMO Centre.
Dal's Megan Chiasson (Lower Sackville, NS) scored the game's only goal to break a scoreless tie.
"It was a lucky call," said Chiasson, named Subway Player of the Game. "You have to put them away when you get them, and I think it's more that we earned it as a team. It was a pretty good game for us."
With the win, the Tigers are now 1-0-1. UNB is 1-1-0.
"It's obviously really frustrating to have a call go like that so late in the game," said REDS veteran keeper Brynn Nash (Saskatoon, SK). "But I think we put a lot of effort into the second half. We had chances and opportunities."
There were opportunities in the opening half, but neither side could mount a sustained attack and the first 45 minutes expired with 0-0 on the scoreboard.
The first real scoring chance came in the 54th minute when Dal's Morgan Leon (Toronto, ON) struck a ball from distance that forced Nash to scramble to get to the shot.
The hometown REDS were able apply some pressure mid-way through the second, but Dal's back line and keeper Emileigh Macphie (Whitby, ON) rose to the challenge.
UNB's Heidi Lauwerijssen (Kensington, PE) had a scoring chance in the 85th minute, heading a cross, but Macphie foiled her attempt.
The penalty that sent Chiasson to the spot came in the final minute of stoppage time.
"I tried to get her to think I was going to the right side and got lucky on the guess, but the ball just got over my hand," said Nash. "I'm definitely going to want that one back."
"I think we were strong," said Chiasson. "We had it in their half for most of the game and I think it was coming for us. We had most of the opportunities and were in their box more than they were in ours."
The Tigers and REDS will meet in a re-match on Sunday, again at UNB's BMO Centre. Game time is 1:00pm.
"We'll be ready and come back tomorrow, looking to get a bit of revenge," said Nash.
RECAP AND PHOTOS: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics