(Halifax, N.S.) – The Holland College Hurricanes defeated the University of Kings College Blue Devils 1-0 to become the 2023 ACAA Women's Soccer Champions.
Both teams battled early on, trading scoring chances in the beginning of the match. Reese Kelly got things started with an early drive for the Hurricanes, but Kings Keeper Emma Kuzmyk made a diving save to end the attack. Simona Busillo responded soon after for Kings with a shot just outside the 18-yard box, but Holland Keeper Allison Rutt was able to make the save.
Holland's Emily Lepine had several chances through the first half including a long shot from the left-hand side but Kuzmyk made a brilliant save, tipping the ball over the net.
The Hurricanes continued to press and had several scoring chances including a mele in front of the Kings net after a corner kick, but the shot hit the post. Kuzmyk made save after save to keep her team in the game and the first half ended in a 0-0 tie.
Holland continued to control most of the play in the second half, starting with a brilliant cross from Hayden Chaisson, but Kuzmyk thwarted the play.
Lepine had a number of scoring chances early on in the second half, but her shots went wide on the far side and just over the net.
The Blue Devils best scoring opportunity came midway through the half when a foul was called just outside Holland's 18-yeard box. Simona Busillo took the kick and her shot was tipped over the net by Rutt.
The Hurricanes were finally able to get one past Kuzmyk in the last few minutes of regular season play with a beautiful play in front of the net. Lepine fed the ball across to teammate Emma MacIntyre who put the ball into the back of the net.
Kings fought hard to put together some scoring opportunities but were unable to convert and had to settle for silver.
Iriana Theoharopoulos was named the Lawtons Player of the Game for Kings, while MacIntyre received the honour for Holland.
As hosts of the 2023 CCAA Women's Soccer Championship, Holland has an automatic berth to the championships so both teams will vye for a national championship title November 8-11, 2023 in Summerside, PEI.