Axemen Squeeze Out 2-1 Win Over Moncton

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Acadia Axemen fought back in the second half of Friday night's heated game to steal the win from the Aigles Bleus 2-1.

Neither team was backing down from this one, each playing a physical game. In all, 5 yellow cards were handed out.

A fast-paced but low-scoring half opened the game up, with good chances coming from either side and nothing to show for it. After 45 minutes of play, the score remained 0-0.

It was not until the 65th minute of the match that the first goal was scored. A crowded net made it difficult for Acadia keeper Pietro Nottegar (Dartmouth, N.S.) to track an up-close shot from Moncton forward Jean-Michel Dako (Québec, Que.), putting Acadia in an uncomfortable position.

With the pressure to answer on, Acadia charged the ball up the field and began forcing defensive players out of position with quick passes. Acadia forward Travis Fenning (Pembroke, Bermuda) found a loose ball near the goal line and leaped head first in heroic fashion to knock the ball in and tie the game up.

Acadia saw their first share of the lead late in the game when the tie was broken by midfielder Ryan Parris (Ottawa, Ont.) after a centring pass off a corner kick was deflected in. Parris' goal brought the score to 2-1.

Though Moncton would come close, they were not able to get the second goal they needed to force the draw.

For his highlight-reel goal, Fenning was named the Subway Player of the game. Fenning recalls, "My teammate number 15 (Tylor Connolly, Quispamis, N.B.) send a great through ball, and the bounce came out to me. I got that first kick with my left and it went through the goalie's legs, so I was trying to play it through since I did not have many options. Luckily it bounced back out, hit off someone - I saw the ball on that goal line, and I knew I was doing that diving header - for the fans!"

The Axemen improve their record to 4-0 and will carry their momentum into their next home game against Memorial University Sunday.

Moncton will attempt to rebound from their tough loss when Saint Mary's University visits them on Sunday.

Theodore Giesen, Acadia Athletics Communications Office