Axemen grab last playoff spot with 2-1 win over UPEI

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Axemen soccer team needed a win or a tie, tonight, to qualify for the post season and in front of a crowd of approximately 287 fans they did just that. The Axemen triumphed over UPEI, 2-1 in the final game of the regular season.

Five minutes into the opening half, Acadia's Erik Merchant took a kick to the face and left to get some sutures. Shortly after, Panther Cole MacMillan netted the lone goal of the first half to give UPEI a confidence building 1-0 lead.

Merchant came back into the game with his head bandaged and at the 56-minute mark he decided that Acadia wasn't going down without a fight. Merchant's goal sparked the Axemen's late second half comeback. His efforts would earn him the Subway Player of the Game recognition.

Four minutes after Merchant's goal, senior Zach Shaffelburg worked his way into the 18-yard box and was fouled. The senior forward nailed home the game winner to give the Axemen a 2-1 lead heading into the final minutes of the game.

Shaffelburg's goal ensured the Axemen would place sixth in the AUS standings and qualify for the post season for the first time since the program returned seven years ago.

Acadia will await the results of two games remaining in the AUS regular season schedule and will face either StFX, Saint Mary's or Dalhousie in the first quarterfinal game at the AUS championship next weekend hosted by Saint Mary's.

Note: Four senor players were honoured today as graduating Axemen including Eric Ross, Eric McGarry, Erk Merchant and Zach Shaffelburg.