Antigonish, NS - The StFX X-Men overcame a spirited Université de Moncton Aigles-Bleus effort for a 3-0 shutout victory on Sunday afternoon.
The first half started brightly for StFX and their efforts were rewarded with the first goal of the game after 11 minutes when Dan Hayfield (Exeter, Eng) hit the back of the net. Tane Caubo (London, Eng) made a great pass to Hayfield about 15 yards from the Moncton goal. Hayfield's soft first-touch settled the ball nicely, and he quickly fired a shot into the far corner of the net past Moncton netminder André LeBlanc.
As the game approached the half-hour mark LeBlanc would foil, not for the first time, a golden scoring chance for Caubo. Moncton central defender, Pascal Doucette (Bathurst, NB) had a busy afternoon containing the frequent X attacks, and did so admirably. On the stroke of half-time Caubo was brought down in the box and, in this instance, the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Hayfield who made good on the penalty kick and the score was 2-0 after 45 minutes of play.
The X-Men continued their dangerous attacking form in the opening minutes of the second half. Five minutes into play Hayfield was taken down in the box and the referee awarded his second penalty of the game. Tane Caubo was given the opportunity to increase the lead. Caubo shot low and hard to the corner, but LeBlanc made an excellent diving save to keep his team within touching distance.
Les Aigles-Bleus were unable to gain any consistent possession throughout the match. Jordan Rao (Calgary, AB), in his central midfield role, did well to win possession back for X as Moncton looked to attack. His ability to use the ball effectively enabled Hayfield, Caubo, and the impressive Logan Harrington (Halifax, NS) to create numerous dangerous scoring chances. Rao's foil in midfield was the capable Maxime Bertrand (Truro, NS), who showed great skill on the ball and was always willing to make the necessary challenge to disrupt X as they moved up field.
StFX's third goal came via Jack Kennedy (Antigonish, NS) intercepting a Moncton pass. After moving the ball up field, he made a perfect pass to Hayfield. Hayfield assuredly found Caubo, who fired a great shot into the back of the net.
Player of the game honours for Moncton went to Maxime Bertrand, while the Subway Player of the Game was StFX's Jordan Rao.
Next up on the AUS schedule sees the Aigles Bleus hosting UPEI on Saturday afternoon, October 5th in Moncton. StFX will host Mount Allison next Sunday afternoon, October 6th for Homecoming weekend.
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Courtesy Bart Sears, StFX Sports Information