New Waterford, NS – The STFX X-Men wrapped up an undefeated pre-season with a 1-0 victory over the Cape Breton Capers Saturday afternoon at the New Waterford Community Hub.
STFX was 3-0 in pre-season exhibition play and have not allowed a goal against.
Saturday's match was a high-octane game between AUS rivals.
Head coach Graham Kennedy noted, "We took a tired team into New Waterford today and played an excellent CBU team. We defended well after going up early and absorbed a lot of pressure. We also created opportunities on the counter that kept them honest."
He continues, "Overall it was a hotly contested game that provided both teams with a great pre-season taste of what's to come this season."
Logan Reick's strike 17 minutes into the game was the only ball to find the back of either net as the X-Men hung on for the close victory.
Will Vienot and Seamus MacDonald shared the clean sheet in the X-Men net.
Prior to the game there was a ceremony to mark the opening of the Cape Breton facility as X-Men assistant coach Oliver Hewish noted, "It was a pleasure for both teams to have the opportunity to play in such a symbolic game with the opening of the new sports complex in New Waterford."
In relation to the game action he said, "It was a first for many of our young X-Men playing in such a high intensity game against the quality of our opposition. X-Men veteran captain Josh Read was immense in our backline and lead the young team over the course of the game."
"We look forward to carrying this momentum into our AUS opener next weekend."
The official start to the AUS regular season will take place on Friday, Sept. 10th as the X-Men travel to Charlottetown to face the UPEI Panthers.
Their home opener is slated for Sunday, Sept. 12th at 3:15 pm against Saint Mary's. A note to fans that due to NS Public Health outdoor gathering limits, tickets will not be available to the general public and will be available by invitation only to limited STFX and SMU parents and STFX guests. The game will be webcast live on www.austv.ca.
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Courtesy Krista McKenna, StFX Sports Information