Fredericton, NB – In a heated playoff race the St Thomas University Tommies bested the visiting Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics 2-1 at Scotiabank Park South.
With just two points separating the Tommies and Mystics in the standings points were imperative for both teams with playoffs looming.
Calm play was the story for the most of the first half as both teams were sound defensively, not giving up many chances. It wasn't until the 42nd minute that the Tommies got the first real chance of the game as first year midfielder James Russell (Quispamsis, NB) had a clean look at goal, but MSVU keeper Kevin Abraham (New Waterford, NS) turned him away. Abraham was a monster in this match for the Mystics.
Early in the second half Russell got his revenge, as he brilliantly controlled a pass from James Hill (Rothesay, NB), turned and fired the ball past Abraham.
Abraham was at it again minutes later as the ball fell to the feet of David Effiong (Oman) in the box and he fired an absolute missile, that was knocked out of the air by an outstretched Abraham. The crowd was left in disbelief. Effiong would try his luck once again as he quickly turned just outside the box and had a strike at goal, but Abraham was there once again to deny the opportunity.
Hassan Yussuf (Fredericton, NB) solved Abraham in 78th minute to give the Tommies a 2-0 lead as he volleyed home a ball sent into the box from Russell.
"We have been waiting for him to step up lately," said head coach JR Morrison when asked about James Russell. "Hopefully today was his breakout game. He plays almost every minute of every game for us, so its good to see him helping out offensively."
Waris Atiqullo (Halifax, NS) would get the Mystics on the board late in the half, but it was too little, too late as the Tommies would get the 2-1 victory.
The Mystics will be on the road to Saint John Sunday top face the Seawolves who are hunting for a playoff berth, while the Tommies host the UKC Blue Devils in another game that has vital playoff meaning.