Women’s soccer program continues to boast Cape Breton flavour

Women's soccer program continues to boast Cape Breton flavour 

Three local newcomers to take pitch this fall

By Corey LeBlanc 

There have been many key ingredients in creating the championship legacy of the Cape Breton University (CBU) women's soccer program, including the local flavor when it comes to its student-athletes.

And that will continue next fall with three Cape Breton products – Abby MacNeil, Chloe MacPherson and Janelle Tierney – donning Caper orange for the first time in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) action.

"They have to meet the standard that we are looking for [in our program]," veteran Caper head coach Stephen "Ness" Timmons says in a recent interview regarding the local presence that has often been a mainstay of CBU's roster.

He adds this trio – and the many Cape Breton players who have preceded them – has reached that level.

Along with their soccer abilities, Timmons notes they are also "excellent in the classroom."

"It is always great to have players from our backyard," he says. 

Timmons agrees it is a testament to Soccer Cape Breton and its developmental system, one that has produced several Caper student-athletes – many of which give back as coaches, while playing at the university level. 

He also credits an annual winter program offered by the Capers, where young players get the opportunity "to play shoulder-to-shoulder" with varsity athletes. And, on the whole, he agrees the success of the CBU program serves as inspiration, providing them with something to shoot for as they move along in the sport. 

"It is a jump – no question about it," Timmons says of the move to the university level, one that each freshman student-athlete experiences – to some degree – wherever they come from to join the Capers.

'Love the game'

When it comes to making that 'jump,' MacNeil has a head start – of sorts – compared to the other members of the trio; she recently wrapped up her first year studying in CBU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

"I have always wanted to play here at home," the New Waterford native says.

Her first year wasn't what she expected – the 2020 soccer season, which would have been her freshman campaign – was wiped out by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

"It is so great to be part of this program," the Breton Education Centre graduate says.

And, if the quality of the Caper women's soccer wasn't enough, MacNeil notes having an opportunity to study in CBU's nursing program "made my decision pretty easy," when it came to choosing where to pursue her university experience.

As for what she will bring to the field, Timmons describes MacNeil as a "power forward" – whether she plays striker or on the wing – that possesses tremendous strength.

"She has a great nose for the net," he says, using adjectives such as "aggressive and powerful" in defining her game.

When it comes to adjusting to the physicality found at the AUS level, Timmons notes she will be "ready to go."

MacNeil points to her "speed and strength – up top," when talking about her abilities.

"I just love the game," she says of the sport she started playing as a four-year-old.

Although not playing this season was disappointing, MacNeil notes she has taken advantage of the opportunity to keep improving her skills.

"It is going to be surreal – a very cool experience," she predicts, when asked how she will feel when she plays her first home match for the Capers.

'Really wanted it'

MacPherson echoes that sentiment.

"It is going to be pretty amazing," the Lingan native says of that opportunity to play university soccer in front of family and friends.

It will be a milestone moment in a sport she developed a passion for while chasing her older sisters, Caleigh and Taylor, around the soccer field.

"I always had the desire to play – and I always wanted to be just like them," the Grade 12 student at Breton Education Centre remembers.

Pointing out – with a chuckle – that she was "super tiny," sticking close to her siblings helped her become stronger on the field.

"She doesn't stop for 90 minutes – Chloe has a great engine," Timmons says of the center-midfielder that plays "box to box."

He also complimented her "tenacity and grit."

"I give it my all," MacPherson says, noting her work ethic and speed are among her assets as a player.

As for her desire to be a Caper student-athlete, she adds, "I knew that one day I wanted to have that opportunity." 

MacPherson explains her focus on that goal grew as she spent more time on the CBU campus, whether it was as a player or watching the Capers in AUS action.

Having the chance to play university soccer with her sister, Caleigh – a second-year Caper – only deepened the feeling that she "really wanted it."

"It is going to be really cool – it is something that doesn't happen very often," she notes of the sisters playing together.

MacPherson will study in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

'Sense of pride'

Like countless youngsters across the country, Tierney experienced soccer for the first time as part of the Timbits' minor program.

"It has always been a lot of fun, but I really fell in love with it then," the Sydney River native remembers of her experience with the Soccer Cape Breton U-10 program.

When asked about her game, Tierney says that she has "always tried to be a good teammate." And, as an older player on many of her teams, she has focused on being a leader.

"And, I have been able to play multiple positions at times when my teams needed it," she adds.

Timmons also touched on that versatility, noting her ability to move from the wing to midfield.

"Janelle has a sweet left foot," he says, adding that Tierney is a strong technical player.

As for joining the Capers – a program she has followed for as long as she can remember – the Grade 12 student at Riverview Rural High School in Coxheath says she is "really excited."

"So many of my coaches have played with CBU," Tierney notes.

On the academic side, she has enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program. She hasn't selected a major, although she is leaning towards biology.

"There is definitely going to be nerves, but I will be mostly excited," she predicts of her reaction to playing her first home match in Caper orange.

Tierney adds there will also be a "sense of pride" in reaching her goal to play varsity soccer at CBU.

"It is going to be awesome," she says.

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