In the biggest game of the Memorial Sea-Hawks season, the home side was able to battle to a 2-2 draw versus a relentless Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus squad.
The game started off with a brisk pace and that went on for the majority of the game, as this game was absolutely crucial for both sides. The Sea-Hawks needed a win or a draw and a University of Dalhousie Tigers loss to advance to the playoffs, and with a Tigers loss today, the Sea-Hawks will be heading to the playoffs.
The visiting Aigles Bleus would get a quick goal in the 11th minute, thanks to a great effort by forward Heritier Masimengo, his 2nd goal of the season. However, just before the end of the first-half, Sea-Hawks forward Emmanuel Dolo was able to convert on a tremendous pass from midfielder Felly Elonda in the 43rd minute, leaving Dolo in 2nd place in the AUS in goals with 11. At the expiration of the first-half, the teams were deadlocked at 1, with a big second-half coming up.
Less than 10 minutes into the start of the second-half, the Aigles Bleus would retake the lead thanks to a strike by Felix Robichaud in the 51st minute, putting the visiting Aigles Bleus ahead in a must win game. The dramatics would continue, as Sea-Hawks midfielder Hashem Khalifa would head home a corner kick from Bret Hennebury to tie the game once again, the score line now at 2-2. For the remainder of the match both sides would share some chances, but neither side could break through in the final 35 minutes, concluding in a draw. Sea-Hawks goalkeeper Logan Walsh would stopped 5/7 shots he faced, while Aigles Bleus goalkeeper stopped 6/8 of the shots on target.
The player of the game award was given to Sea-Hawks midfielder Hashem Khalifa, his presence in the midfield combined with his clutch game-tying goal makes Khalifa a worthy selection.
The Sea-Hawks will head to Cape Breton next weekend to start their playoff push.