(ANTIGONISH, NS) On the strength of two first-half goals, the St FX X-Men shut-out the UNB Reds 2-0 on Sunday.
In a spirited affair, the X-Men carried the play for most of the match and their sustained pressure led to two hard earned goals. The opening goal came from the penalty shot of Dan Hayfield (Exeter, UK). A penalty was awarded when the ball found the hand of a UNB player and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. UNB keeper, Evan Barker (Winnipeg, MB) guessed right, but Hayfield's hard and accurate shot gave him no chance for the save.
The X-Men's second goal came from Tane Cabo (London, UK), in the 41st minute. X fullback Blake Fenton (Halifax, NS) made a run and found his way into the 18-yard box. His shot was saved by Barker, but the rebound went straight to Cabo, who placed the ball into the net.
The second half saw the X-Men keep their composure on the ball as UNB went in search of a goal. Both coaches went to the bench for fresh legs, and the game opened slightly.
While all players performed well, special mention must go to the two number 9s, UNB striker Dan Walker (Fredericton, NB) and X's Ben Herringer(Calgary, AB). Both worked hard both on and off the ball. On offence, they displayed a soft touch, held the ball well, and looked a danger to score when in the box. When not in possession, they were a presence in their own half and put the opposing defenders under pressure, making it difficult for the defenders to make passes either to the midfielders or players further up the field.
The player of the game for UNB was Luis Garcia (San Antonio, TX), while the Subway Player of the Game was X's Tane Cabo.
The Reds are back in action on Saturday, when they host Dal in the team's home opener. Game time is 3:15pm, at UNB's BMO Centre.
The X-Men will be back in action on Friday night, when they host the Cape Breton Capers.
RECAP: Bart Sears/for St FX Athletics
PHOTOS: Bryan Kennedy/for St FX Athletics