TORONTO, ON – When StFX’s Samuel Siltz spilled an initial free-kick save into the path of Cape Breton Capers forward Cian Lynch in the sixth minute, the script had already been written. From mere minutes after kickoff, CBU were on their way to the 2022 AUS men’s soccer title.
Head coach Deano Morely and the Capers went on to defeat the X-Men 2-0 through the 90 minutes, winning their sixth straight title and securing an undefeated season through conference and playoff play as they turn their focus to U SPORTS Nationals.
CBU finished the regular season with 10 wins and two draws before winning twice at the Championships.
After the quick goal to start the match, the Capers didn’t let up on the pressure, continuing to maintain possession and sending shots on target, with Kairo Coore, Lynch and Jose Cunha all testing Siltz through the opening half an hour.
While StFX mustered a few opportunities midway through the half, none truly tested CBU goalkeeper Daniel Clarke, who comfortably commanded his box through the afternoon, particularly in the opening half.
Cunha, the top pick by Atletico Ottawa in the 2021 CPL-U SPORTS Draft, added to the Capers lead in the 35th minute, smashing home a low and driven free kick that eluded Siltz’s grasp before nestling into the back of the goal to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
While intense winds wreaked havoc on the match throughout the day, both teams adjusted and played much of the game on the ground, patiently building up play into attacks. Yet for StFX, most of the attacks amounted to nothing, with just two shots on target.
Meanwhile, the Capers peppered Siltz’s goal with seven shots on target, forcing the goalkeeper into five saves.
With yet another championship for Morely and Capers, they enter the 2022 U SPORTS National Championship in Kamloops, BC, as the top-seeded AUS team, while the X-Men also head west but with a likely tougher draw.
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