Repeat at their feet

Soccer X-Men focused on defending AUS crown

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH, NS – It took almost three decades for the STFX X-Men soccer program to return to the pinnacle in Atlantic University Sport (AUS), capturing the conference banner in 2023, and they are not ready to give up that championship view from the top of the mountain.

"We expect to be one of the top teams in the conference," Graham Kennedy – the AUS coach of the year last season – said of the upcoming campaign.

He noted the goal is to secure first or second place in the regular season, which secures a coveted opening-round bye in the six-team conference championship tournament.

Although the X-Men are the 2023 title holders, new AUS regulations prohibit the same university from hosting the men's and women's championship tournaments in the same season. Therefore, the men's tournament is being held at UNB Reds in Fredericton, while STFX will host the women's finals in Antigonish.

"We know that there are excellent teams in our conference, but we would be very disappointed if we were not one of the top three teams [at the end of the regular season], Kennedy added.

In a conversation early in training camp, the Antigonish native explained the importance of limiting injuries, while noting that a couple of key contributors were already hobbled.

"It is the biggest key for us," Kennedy offered of remaining healthy. "We're a small squad."

He pointed out the early bite from the injury bug will "create opportunities for others."

The White and Blue will tackle the quest for back-to-back titles with fewer student-athletes – the roster reduced from 28 to 24 for this season.

"We have more players exiting than entering, and we are fine with that," Kennedy explained.

Moving on

When it comes to key departures from the 2023 squad – one that captured the program's first AUS crown since consecutive victories in 1993 and 1994 under hall-of-fame head coach Lou Bilek – the X-Men mentor started with the veteran tandem of Lewis Dye and Jack Kennedy.

"They are big ones – two huge holes to fill," Kennedy offered.

Describing him as a "culture builder," he said the departure of graduating student-athlete – goalkeeper Will Veinot – means the loss of a "huge leadership piece."

Blake Fenton, a former USPORTS all-rookie team selection, has also donned the White and Blue for the last time.

"It is not only key talent but also leadership," Kennedy offered of the foursome.

And, he added, the absences will put a strain on the X-Men's defensive depth.

"Three of these guys were all-star defenders in our league, and all of them had attacking flair from the back."

The newcomers

The 2024 recruiting class features a foursome that Kennedy expects to make an impact on the program – this year and down the line – including goalkeeper Cameron Greenlaw (Dartmouth, NS).

"We are really excited – he has plenty of promise," he said of the Suburban FC and Halifax Wanderers U23 product, noting the freshman's "exceptional character."

Junior midfielder Noah MacIntyre (Georgetown, ON) "adds plenty of experience" to the line-up, having kicked off his Canadian collegiate career at Humber College in Toronto. He also suited up for teams in Czechia and Spain.

"He is an interesting one," Kennedy said while outlining his background.

Noting that he is "really talented," he predicted that MacIntyre could be one of the top midfielders in the AUS this season.

Kennedy expects freshman forward Jack Owen (Sarnia, ON), a product of London Whitecaps FC, to make a strong impact as a young player. "He's quick and he can finish when he gets a look, and we think he has a bright future."

He added, of the "hard-working" newcomer, "Jack fits our team dynamic."

Kennedy said defender Luka Robichaud Allah (Moncton, NB) – who has also suited up with the Halifax Wanderers U23 program – "brings a lot of speed and pace" to the pitch.

Describing him as "very athletic," he added, "I expect Luka to contribute from day one. He's highly coachable and has a tremendous attitude – he's going to be a great X-Man."

Racing to success

Key returnees from the 2023 championship line-up include sophomore midfielder Isaac VanWychen (Middle Musquodoboit, NS) – the AUS rookie of the year and a U SPORTS all-rookie team member – along with midfielder Logan Rieck (Cambridge, ON), a 1^st-team conference all-star and 2^nd-team All-Canadian. A pair of 2^nd-team AUS all-stars last season – defender Luke Green and forward Dyan Vil – are also back in the X-Men fold.

And, of course, Kennedy noted that the return of fifth-year senior Kyle Cordeiro is a "major step" in helping the X-Men in their quest to repeat as champions. He added, the 2023 AUS MVP and team captain "brings leadership, energy and [a] top work rate" to the X-Men.

With these new and returning ingredients, Kennedy was asked what White and Blue fans should expect to see when the X-Men are playing well.

"At our best, everybody is buying into our goal to press with energy," he explained, while noting the importance of STFX's counterattack.

He added, "We want to play with sustained intensity and consistency and, if we do that, we can be successful."

If that happens, he continued, space is created up front for the X-Men's offensive weapons.

While most teams are "lucky" to have one scoring threat, Kennedy said his 2024 roster boasts three or four "absolute speedsters."

Because of our speed, he added, "We should be capable of keeping opponents under pressure."

On the strength of that pace and pressure, Kennedy said the key focus for the White and Blue will be on "putting games away and not allowing teams back into the games."

'Culture' is key

As for how being defending champions will influence their approach this year, Kennedy offered, "Every season is a new chapter for us."

Nevertheless, he explained, there remains plenty to learn from that "breakout season," offering that winning an AUS banner may provide his X-Men with a level of confidence and belief that "may have been missing" heading into previous campaigns.

"That can take you a long way," Kennedy suggested.

What doesn't change for the White and Blue, from season to season, is the "importance of culture," according to the X mentor. He also noted that the new X-Men "fit the mold" that has been established.

"They are a great group of young men, one that really cares about each other," Kennedy concluded.

On the pitch

The X-Men kicked off the pre-season with three pre-season match-ups, starting with a 6-1 victory over Moncton on Aug. 17. They dropped a 2-1 decision to the Montréal Carabins – the 2023 USPORTS silver-medal winners – on Aug. 20, in Fredericton. The following day (Aug. 21) they bested the host UNB Reds 2-1.

STFX starts its defense of their AUS crown on Friday, Aug. 30, in Halifax, versus the rival Saint Mary's Huskies, at 7:15 p.m. ADT.

In their first regular season home match, the X-Men will welcome the Dalhousie Tigers on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 3:15 p.m. ADT.

For more information on everything StFX X-Men soccer, including the 2024 schedule, visit www.goxgo.ca.

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