Kennedy expects team to be in hunt for playoff bye
By Corey LeBlanc
The STFX X-Men have some unfinished business in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) playoffs.
Having knocked on the door for the past few seasons – when it comes to capturing that coveted conference banner – the White and Blue are focused on breaking it down in 2021.
"We expect to be there when it counts," X-Men head coach Graham Kennedy said.
With the bulk of the roster returning from the 2019 squad – one that finished second in the regular season and runner-up in the post season – he added that he would be "disappointed," if they did not garner a top-two spot in 2021 and a coveted bye in the playoffs.
"If all goes well – and we stay healthy – I think we have a legitimate shot," Kennedy offered.
Although two years removed, he agreed the X-Men – particularly the returning players – haven't forgotten a 2-0 overtime loss to the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers in the 2019 championship game, which came on the heels of a stellar 9-2-1 regular season.
"They are a formidable opponent," Kennedy said, noting that until something changes – when it comes to their rivals being built around international talent – his program and others "will have to cope with that [reality]."
He added that – to reach the summit this season – the X-Men will have to contend with not only the Capers, but also the likes of the Dalhousie Tigers and UNB Reds, in a highly-competitive conference.
'Elite class'
When it comes to the familiar faces who will be a key to the X-Men reaching the summit, that group is led by fifth-year All-Canadian defender Josh Read (Bath, England).
"Josh is in an elite class," Kennedy offered, adding that the StFX captain is "one of the top players at his position in the country."
Lewis Dye (Fall River, NS) joins him on the back line – a student-athlete that his head coach described as a "cultured" defender and great passer.
"Lewis is in the best shape of his career and we expect him to have a great season," Kennedy said.
Rounding out a veteran and talented foursome on the X-Men back line are Jack Kennedy (Antigonish, NS) and Blake Fenton (Halifax, NS), while fifth-year keeper Seamus MacDonald (Antigonish, NS) is back to provide that last line of defense.
"I really like that we have that stability – it is great place to start to work from," Kennedy said of that experienced group.
In the midfield, Logan Harrington (Halifax, NS) and Nick Aquino (Dartmouth, NS) are back in White and Blue.
"They are going to be a key for us," Kennedy said.
He added that Aquino has been "fantastic for us" – not only as a playmaker, but also as a defender.
Kennedy noted that they will miss several contributors, such as Gabriel Marra, Mac Murray and Jordan Rao.
He also described the departure of Ricardo Carbone (Calgary, AB), who joined the program in 2020 but did not suit up for the White and Blue, as a "tough loss."
Big catches
Turning to the X-Men newcomers, Kennedy said the team will be "pretty new upfront."
"It was a really fortunate catch for us – he is a really, really good player," he added of bringing in Cam Shaw (Ottawa, ON), who started his varsity career in the NCAA with Sienna College.
Kennedy described the attacking midfielder as "really creative and skillful."
Forward Damion Simmons (Devonshire, BM) was expected to contribute offensively, but he tore his ACL a couple weeks ago.
"That is a blow," Kennedy said of his loss.
On the back line, he pointed out that left-footed, left back Damian De Dekker (Ottawa, ON) brings "tremendous size and athleticism" to the table.
Centre back Luke Green (Halifax, NS), who has played with his hometown Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), is "another very big catch for us," according to Kennedy.
"Luke has quality experience for someone so young," he added.
Kennedy expects Owen Pensom (Ottawa, ON), who is also an accomplished track athlete and a product of the Ontario provincial soccer program, to "make an impact in his first year."
His new teammate – Max Bodurtha (Halifax, NS) – has climbed the ranks with Team Nova Scotia.
"He is a really talented and athletic midfielder, who moves really well," Kennedy said of the center back, adding that he has a "bright future" in the AUS.
The X-Men have also added keeper Jae Jeon (Montreal, QC).
"He is an exceptional prospect," Kennedy said.
He added that – although he is "not the tallest" – Jeon "really takes command of his 18-yard box."
Kennedy also praised his "great reactions," along with leaping ability and athleticism.
Back in action
Jeon and his X-Men teammates will kick off the AUS regular season on Friday, Sept. 10, when they travel to Charlottetown to face the UPEI Panthers.
Two days later – on Sunday, Sept. 12 – STFX will host the Saint Mary's Huskies in their home opener at StFX Stadium.
Game time is 3:15 p.m.
The defending AUS champion Capers will not only host the AUS Women's Soccer Championships – from Nov. 4-7 – in Sydney.
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