Veteran X-Men primed to challenge for AUS crown

Kennedy expects White and Blue to be in hunt for conference supremacy

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH – Although they are dealing with some "nagging injuries" heading into the regular season, STFX X-Men head coach Graham Kennedy expects his veteran-laden and battle-tested roster to contend for the 2023 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship this fall.

"There's no way to hide from that – we should contend," he offered of his line-up that is top heavy with fourth and fifth-year student-athletes.

Kennedy added, "It is one of the most mature sides that we have had in any of my seasons."

Noting that his X-Men should be healthy sooner rather than later, the Antigonish native said that he and his coaching staff have "high expectations."

"We are loaded with leaders – an overabundance of them – which is probably our biggest strength," Kennedy said.

And, he explained, the experienced X-Men bring a variety of attributes to the table – along with their skills on the pitch; some are vocal, while others lead by example.

"They are hungry to wrap up their [X-Men] careers with a great story," Kennedy said of their steely-eyed focus on capturing an AUS banner.

The core of that top-end veteran group is comprised of student-athletes – such as defenders Lewis Dye (Fall River, NS), a second-team AUS all-star in 2022; forward Blake Fenton (Halifax, NS), keeper Will Venoit (Bedford, NS) and Jack Kennedy (Antigonish, NS) – who the proud bench boss offered were part of one of the best recruiting classes in X-Men soccer history.

"In my 15 years, it is definitely one of the top three," the veteran White and Blue leader said.

He added, "I have really enjoyed coaching that group; they have been phenomenal."

The list of key returnees for the X-Men also includes a pair of AUS second-team all-star midfielders from last season: Logan Rieck (Cambridge, ON) and Kyle Cordeiro (Oakville, ON).

As for newcomers to the White and Blue, Kennedy described the addition of former CBU Caper Charlie Waters – a dynamic goal scorer, former conference MVP and All-Canadian – as "really big." Along with his on-field prowess, the Blackpool, United Kingdom native, adds another veteran to the mix; one who has plenty of experience on the prime-time stage.

Coming off a "very competitive" pre-season, which included a 5-1 road victory over the UPEI Panthers, along with a split on an Ontario swing, including a 4-3 loss to the Carleton Ravens and 3-1 win over the St. Lawrence University, Kennedy described some "pleasant surprises," when it comes to the early performances from some first-year Xaverians, including midfielder Nico Goldsztein (Winnipeg, MB), forward Myroslav Zastavnyy (Toronto, ON) and defender Max Cameron (North Vancouver, BC).

"We have competition at every spot – that's what you want. Our balance is certainly a tremendous strength," Kennedy said, noting the X-Men boast a 31-player roster this season.

"We have a group with great energy; one that is dedicated to working and playing for each other."

When asked to talk about keys to success, Kennedy said, "We are going to have to defend well."

He added, "We know that we can score goals."

And, of course, staying healthy will be crucial.

The X-Men, who finished second in the 2022 AUS regular season – at 7-3-2, were defeated 2-0 by the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers in the championship match of the conference playoff tournament.

Playing for Patrick

The X-Men will be playing the 2023 campaign with heavy hearts, as they move forward without long-time goalkeeper coach Patrick Rutayisire, who passed away in late May.

"It is going to be an emotional season – one that we are dedicating to Patrick," Kennedy said, while noting that the White and Blue will be donning black arm bands in his honour during matches.

Calling him "well-loved," he added that Rutayisire is "never far from our thoughts."

"We miss him every day."

So, Kennedy noted, the X-Men program takes the pitch this year "playing for something a lot bigger than ourselves."

'Tough' start

The White and Blue will kick off the 2023 AUS regular season, at home, when they host the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus on Saturday, Sept. 2, and UNB Reds on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Both matches are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. at STFX Stadium.

The X-Men's first road challenge will come on Saturday, Sept. 9, when they face the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers at Ness Timmons Soccer Field, also in a 3:15 p.m. kick-off.

Although the perennial – and often heated – rivals will be playing much differently early in the regular season, as opposed to mid-November, according to Kennedy, "We are looking forward to that match-up. It will be an early measuring stick for us."

He offered that the opening three matches against 2022 AUS playoff teams, including the defending champion Capers, will be a tremendous early-season test.

"It is going to be a really tough start, but I think that we will be ready for the challenge," Kennedy said.

And, when it comes to viewing the season through a broader lens, he added that his X-Men are confident.

"If all goes well, and with a little bit of luck, we should contend for an AUS championship."

-30-