(SAINT JOHN, NB) In a fight for second place in the Atlantic University Sport standings, the UNB REDS and Saint Mary's Huskies played to a 1-1 draw Friday evening.
The game was played at the Canada Games Stadium, in Saint John.
After a tight struggle for the first 44 minutes, the Huskies scored the game's first goal in the final minute of the first half when Sean Freeman (Halifax, NS) drove a hard shot past REDS keeper Josh Doupe (Sarnia, ON).
Early in the second, the REDS had difficulties moving the ball forward, but the team was sparked by some mid-half substitutions.
After a free kick was earned deep inside the Saint Mary's end, UNB's Tom Pheulpin (San Antonio, TX) drew the home team even in the 77th minute.
"We were 25-30 yards out and I figured why not have a go," said Pheulpin. "It looked good, went in and I'm happy about it."
Pheulpin's efforts earned him Subway Player of the Game honours.
"I think the last few minutes were ours after that goal. It just set the momentum and we never stopped and I think we were a bit unlucky not to get a result."
With the draw, the REDS are now 5-3-1, and continue to sit in third place in the AUS standings.
The Huskies, now 5-2-2, continue to hold a one-point edge on the REDS.
"It could've gone both ways in the end, the game was pretty close," said fifth-year Huskie Alex Black (Halifax, NS). "I think the game was controlled more by the referee than it was by the teams, but a game is a game and we move on to tomorrow."
"Two very good teams playing against each other and it was a battle to the end and it was a good game," said Black.
"I think, after that game, you feel good," said Pheulpin. "That's a team that's had good results, like we've had good results. I think it shows that the league is wide open."
The Huskies have little time to re-group. They visit Moncton on Saturday, for a 3:15pm start.
The REDS travel to Moncton to face les Aigles Bleus on Sunday. That game is scheduled to start at 3:15pm as well.
RECAP: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: Kevin Barrett/for UNB Athletics