The beautiful game

Dal Tiger Reika Santilli takes the ball up the field. (Nick Pearce Photo)

There are more than a few fresh pairs of legs on both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. More than half of each team’s roster is comprised of student-athletes in their first or second year of eligibility.

The women’s team had a strong performance last season losing 0-1 in the conference final to Cape Breton University, the team which later went on to claim the national championship. Despite this year’s change in personnel, the team still has high expectations for the 2008-09 season. The Tigers will be led by first team AUS all-star Stephanie Collins and second team AUS all-star Jeanette Huck. These returning players will serve as co-captains for the squad.

At the helm for the women’s team for his second year is Jack Hutchison. His recruiting efforts have rounded up players from Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia. One of these new additions is Halifax native Reika Santilli. She brings experience from both provincial and National Training Centre programs and also gained valuable experience as a midfielder with the Halifax City Soccer Club’s senior A women’s team.

During the women’s home opening game against Acadia on Sunday, Sept. 7, the Tigers had to settle for a 0-0 tie, but the key veterans stepped up and ensured the tie didn’t turn into a loss.
The men’s team is also going to be looking for leadership from their returning players such as team captain, John Ballantyne and second team AUS all-star Ross Hagen. Like his counterpart, head coach Pat Nearing also had a successful recruiting season and these players have helped bring a new energy to the team.

One rookie that has a bright future in the league is Kerry Weymann, an engineering student from Mission, B.C. Coach Nearing was impressed by the 6’3” center back in the team’s pre-season tour to Maine and training camp.

“Kerry is a young player, but has a wealth of playing experience in the B.C. men’s leagues. His size and athleticism are impressive but his vision on the field and his ability to play under pressure will be his most important characteristics in the AUS soccer league.”

The men’s team also played their home opener on Sunday, Sept. 7 against Acadia and started their season off with a 2-0 win. Mr. Weymann netted the team’s first goal on a header off a corner kick. The Tigers’ second goal also came courtesy of rookie Julian Perrotta.

With the men’s soccer team finishing last season at the bottom of the standings, this season has gotten off to a much brighter start.