Dalhousie Tigers (W) 0 - 0 Saint Mary's Huskies (W)

The first formal match of the 2009 soccer season was played Friday night at Dalhousie's Wickwire Field. It may only have been preseason soccer, but given the teams--the Tigers against cross-town rivals Saint Mary's--fans could expect some intensity.

Sadly, anyone expecting intensity left disappointed with the 0-0 final. They weren't the only ones. Tigers coach Jack Hutchison was vocal in his displeasure post-game.

[We're] "not overly satisfied with the result," he said. "We didn't play with enough sense of urgency. It's like we played a friendly against our long-lost brother."

Even though the game meant nothing in what is anticipated to be a very competitive AUS season, fans turned out to see the turgid display.

The first half had so few talking points that fans could be forgiven for letting their minds drift.

Hutchison's mind, however, was firmly set on his team, upset that at their transition through the midfield.

[We have to] "not try to pass out of the back when it was time to clear and not try to clear when it was time to pass," he said.

It was an experimental starting line-up for Hutchison's team, which features 5 rookies, many of whom saw time. Back-up keeper Rebecca Holm started, along with Emma Landry of Ottawa. The absence of last year's captain Stephanie Collins meant Amanda Henry started and dropped to centre-back.

One of last year's much-discussed rookies Reika Santilli seemed to sum up the game when she tripped over the ball and landed flat on her face, gifting possession to Saint Mary's.

Santilli's game, however, would draw to an early close with an elbow to the head on the stroke of half-time. She left the game with what appeared to be a concussion.

Whether it was Santilli's exit or Hutchison's half-time talk, Dal came out for the second half.

"I thought our back-line played well," said Huskies coach Mark Sweetapple after the game.

The back four for Saint Mary's were certainly tested as the Tigers attacked with a combination of any of six attackers throughout the second half.

They failed to find the net, however, there most dangerous chance coming when Jeanette Huck dribbled along the byline before shooting from a tight angle, forcing a save from the Saint Mary's keeper.

"Dal are considered to be one of the league's better teams," said Sweetapple. "[The result]'ll give our girls confidence."

The Huskies also lost Taylor Mitchell to a knee injury, although Sweetapple is unsure as of yet how serious it is.

The two teams meet again on Sunday afternoon at Husky Stadium. Hutchison would like to see this game's improvement carry over into Sunday.

"If we go from there to getting better on Sunday, then I'll be a happy coach."


Stats (Strictly Unofficial)

Goals: Dal-0; SMU-0
Shots (On Target): Dal-9; SMU-3
Attempts (Total): Dal-15; SMU-4
Fouls: Dal-4; SMU-7
Cautions: Dal-0; SMU-1
Ejections: Dal-0; SMU-0
Injuries: Dal-1; SMU-1 (Dal: 45+' Reika Santilli; SMU: 57' Taylor Mitchell)
Offsides: Dal-0; SMU-0