Program focused on return to AUS playoffs
By Corey LeBlanc
Although they haven't played an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) match in almost two years, the STFX X-Women have been doing everything possible to prepare for their return to the pitch.
"We have tried to maintain a semblance of structure, while emphasizing training and development," head coach Graham Kennedy said of their focus while dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
He noted the White and Blue benefitted from having most of their student-athletes on campus in 2020, with STFX offering in-person classes, which provided them with the opportunity to work together.
"We focused primarily on individual improvement," he added.
Because of the layoff – one that shelved the AUS season in 2020 – Kennedy predicted that the X-Women, or any program for that matter, will not be "truly game fit" at this season kicks off.
Nevertheless, as the regular campaign unfolds and teams are jockeying for playoff spots in November, he expects the X-Women to be playing a "reasonable brand of soccer."
"I think we are going to be in the hunt," Kennedy offered of the White and Blue's goal of winning another conference banner.
In 2019, the X-Women finished third in the regular season, with a 7-0-5, before being upset by the Memorial Sea-Hawks in an AUS quarter-final match-up.
'Proud of her'
Although everyone from that roster was eligible to return, he noted that some student-athletes – such as Nicole Melong and Catherine Kennedy – decided to move on to other opportunities.
Nevertheless, the X-Women welcome back several important returning players, including dynamic forward Amanda Smith (Ottawa, ON), who is coming off her first professional opportunity – a successful spring season with the San Antonio Athenians of the United Women's Soccer League (UWSL).
"I am really, really proud of her," Kennedy said of her decision to pursue that opportunity.
He added playing at that level will "really benefit her," including this season in the White and Blue.
"Amanda is well on her way," Kennedy added of fulfilling her professional dream.
He predicted that Smith will have a "big season" in AUS competition.
Megan Frost (Ottawa, ON), a fifth-year defender, is the team captain.
"We are really happy to have her back," Kennedy said.
He added that her leadership, experience and technical skills will be "invaluable" to a young X-Women roster.
"It is always key to have someone like her; someone who can steady the ship."
There is also veteran leadership between the pipes with the return of Alyssa Spridgeon (Whitby, ON), who led the AUS in goals-against average in 2019.
"She is mature and experienced," Kennedy said.
Welcome to the program
The X-Women welcomed 32 student-athletes to training camp, including 11 who were set to join the program for the 2020 season.
"We have an exceptional recruiting class this year – one that I would put up against any in the country," Kennedy said.
That includes midfielder Caitlin Crichton (Ottawa, ON), who he expects to have an "impact from day one."
"She is big, strong – a player who is a tremendous passer and has great ball control skills," Kennedy said.
Noting her leadership prowess, he added that Crichton is an "exceptional player."
Sisters Abby and Emma Steen (Ottawa, ON) are expected to add size and skill to the StFX back line.
"They have played at a high level," Kennedy noted.
Emma plays right back, while Abby is a central defender.
"I expect them to play good minutes as freshmen," Kennedy said of the "physically dominating" athletes, who are also "great passers."
The X-Women mentor described Brynn Jurus (Hamilton, ON), a 5'10" forward, as a "physically imposing" player with top-end scoring ability.
"She could have gone anywhere to play," Kennedy said of the niece of former X-Men quarterback Joe Jurus.
Forward Lauren Reid (Ottawa, ON) started her varsity career in Georgia.
"She is really dynamic," Kennedy said.
Hannah Yantha (Guelph, ON), another first-year forward, is a "really quick wide player," according to Kennedy, who is strong on balls in the box and 1-v-1. She also defends well in transition.
"She sets a really high standard."
With the return of Smith, coupled with the infusion of talent upfront, he expects the X-Women to have multiple scoring options.
"That's going to be really big for us," Kennedy said.
He added, "It is hard to find a legit forward that is a scoring threat."
In the midfield, the X-Women have added Hailey Burk and Leah Pearson, with Kennedy describing the latter player – who is shelved with a torn ACL – as "really dynamic."
"She is a water bug," he added.
Midfielder Kristen Riis (Ottawa, ON), a teammate of Crichton at the club level, and defender Kyra Gunnell are also in the fold.
"We are going to be really strong defensively," Kennedy said, noting that they expect to have a "good backbone."
He noted that this group will have the most "height and athleticism" of any X-Women team that he has coached.
"That's new for us," Kennedy said, adding that those ingredients will help greatly with defending set pieces, which he described as a "nemesis" for the program in recent seasons.
Fight for playing time
With the level of incoming talent, Kennedy said that returnees will be "really challenged," when it comes to securing playing time.
He added that the X-Women could have "several" first-year starters.
Noting that there are 17 players who have never donned the White and Blue, Kennedy said that, "We are going to have a very young team."
"But, we think that the quality that we have is really high," he added.
The defending AUS champion Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers will not only host the AUS Women's Soccer Championships – from Nov. 4-7 – in Sydney, but also the U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship, from Nov. 18-21.
As tournament hosts, the Capers receive an automatic bid, so there is one other spot available for an AUS program.
The X-Women 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 1 p.m.
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