REDS, Axemen Draw in Shortened Match

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS and Acadia Axemen played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon at UNB's BMO Centre. 

The match was called by the officials at the 75th-minute mark due to unplayable conditions caused by Post Tropical Storm Lee. 

It was a high-intensity game with lots of back-and-forth action to begin the first half. 

The closest opportunity of the first half came in the 25th minute after a collision between the two teams set up Acadia's Anderson Peters (Rothesay, NB) for a free kick from just outside the REDS box. Anderson was able to beat UNB's goalkeeper, Mahmoud Moustafa (Stratford, PE) but was stopped by the crossbar. 

The teams would be locked at 0-0 to end the first half with the REDS outshooting the Axemen 7-2. 

UNB continued to push the pace to start the second half, applying consistent pressure in the Acadia end forcing Axemen goalkeeper, Dylan Legere (Upper Tantallon, NS) to make two huge saves early on. 

The teams began to feel the effects of the post-tropical storm they were playing through. Large puddles, heavy winds, and vigorous rain had the ball moving slower and players sliding across the wet field. 

At the 70-minute mark, officials started to question the safety of the players after Acadias Noah Schurman (Coldbrook, NS) collided with REDS goalkeeper Moustafa due to the wet turf. 

However, the game proceeded.

UNB had the last opportunity of the game when Ethan Irrinki (New Maryland, NB) was taken down inside the box by an Acadia defender giving the REDS a penalty kick. 

However, with the weather conditions worsening, the game was called by the officials before UNB's penalty kick was taken ending the game with a 0-0 draw.

The REDS will host the UPEI Panthers on Sunday at 5:15 pm at the BMO Centre.

Acadia will travel to Moncton to face the Aigles Bleus on Sunday at 5:15 pm.

RECAP BY: Madison Tucker/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics