Bryden scores in 2-1 loss to Seawolves

Source: Matthew Heans, UNB SJ

(Saint John, NB) Ravaged by ruthless rain, frequent fouls, and the merciless maneuvers of the Mount St. Vincent Mystics, the Saint John Seawolves swam through the storm to steal the show. In an evident incident of expert accuracy, the Seawolves's sharpshooters sniped their way to the top to win out against the MSVU Mystics in their home-opener with a score of 2-1. With a first half that was rife with promising defensive performances from winger #20, Malek Karoui, and center back #4, Trystan Burnham, there was incredible calm before the chaos that was the second half.

As the Seawolves started to press the pace in the second half, they saw impressive push-back from the Mystics' Alex Bellefontaine (2 SH, 1 SOG) and Ignacio Chung Michelsen (1 SH, 1 SOG). In a sudden turning of the tide though, in came Seawolf winger #7, Griffin Cassidy, who outflanked the rival team to score the first goal of the game. With the crowd now in an uproar, the Mystics went on the offensive and after a series of back and forth, two penalty shots were awarded to the Mystics due to an earlier accidental hand goal by the Seawolves. In the ensuing latter penalty kick, Mystic #16, Nick Bryden, scored on Seawolf goalkeeper Casian Cardos. This shot tied the already tense game and with torrential winds favouring the home team, the entire stadium was on the edge of their seats to see what would happen next.

And in this frenzied atmosphere with both teams showing considerable prowess, an unexpected score on the Mystic net from #21 center midfielder, Luke Antoniello, sealed the deal for the Seawolves. With that, both the crowd and the weather went wild. The cheering of fans was only matched, if not bolstered, by the calamitous conditions for the day's game. Asked later about his game-winning goal, Luke Antoniello offered up the sage declaration that "Anything is possible." This brought an end to the Seawolves's home-opening game and if fans are just chomping at the bit to see more, they should definitely check out the Seawolves's follow-up game this Sunday against the University of King's College's Blue Devils.

Photos by: Kevin Barrett