X-Men win keeps Axemen in playoff hunt

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The StFX X-Men improved to 9-1-2 and sit in first place in the AUS standings ahead of Cape Breton by 1 point (who have two games remaining) after a 2-1 win over the host Acadia Axemen.

The X-Men scored the only goal of the first half at the 42^nd minute when Dan Hayfield, on a free kick 15 yards out to right of the goal, netted a hard kick high that was nearly stopped by Axemen keeper Nic Jefferies.

Late in the second half, near the 87^th minute, Liam Harrigan scored the X-Men's second goal off of a corner kick that was mishandled by an Acadia defender and Harrigan picked up the lose ball.

The Axemen final closed the lead to one on a Cooper Coats goal in extra time. Coats goal was set up by teammate Travis Fenning who drew the defenders as he approached the 18 yard box and then dropped the ball back and to the side to Coats for the one-time kick and goal.

In the dying minutes of play, the Axemen pressured to tie the game, but fell short giving StFX the important 2-1 win. Tylor Connolly led Acadia with four shots on goal.

Out-shooting the X-Men 12-5, X-man Thomas Pieroway made seven saves, while Acadia's Nic Jefferies was tested several times with 1 save.

With the X-Men's season concluded, they will await the Capers' remaining two game results. With the win, StFX has clinched the semi-final bye along with Cape Breton. The Axemen will hope for a win on Saturday against UPEI, to take fourth place in the AUS standings behind UNB in third.