X-Men secure second place and playoff bye with 1-0 win over Axemen

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The StFX X-Men topped the Axemen 1-0 in the final regular season game on Friday night.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first half, but it was clear that the X-Men were in control. The ball seldom made its way into StFX's side as the Axemen were only able to register two shots on goal in the first 45 minutes of play.

The X-Men had three great chances in a row in the 23rd minute but it was Acadia's keeper Nic Jeffries (Rothesay, NB) who kept the game tied.

Acadia's Ali Jabara (Ottawa, ON) had a fearless block to start the second half to stop the X-Men from scoring their first. Jabara had an excellent game defensively, earning him the Acadia Player of the Game award.

The referees handed out several yellow cards in the second half and discouraged the aggressive play that was seen in the first.

The X-Men finally scored in the 74th minute of the game. A corner kick by Dan Hayfield (Exeter, UK) bounced around the front of the net and was eventually picked up by Nick Aquino (Dartmouth, NS) for the 1-0 lead.

Jeffries had an amazing diving save in the 87th minute, allowing Acadia a few more minutes to tie up the game.

Acadia was unable to register a shot on net in the second half and the X-Men were able to take the game 1-0.

StFX midfielder Jack Kennedy (Antigonish, NS) played a huge role in his team's offensive and defensive play, keeping the ball in Acadia's end for most of the game. Kennedy was named the Subway Player of the Game.

The X-Men finish the season with an impressive 9-2-1 record in second place in the AUS standings. They have clinched a first round bye in the AUS playoffs and will advance directly to the semifinals.

The Axemen went 2-9-1 on the season and were shut out in their last three games. They finish in ninth place and out of playoff contention.

The Subway AUS Championship is scheduled for October 31 to November 3 in Sydney, NS.

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Courtesy Theodore Giesen, Acadia Athletics Communications