Cordeiro’s late goal lifts X-Men past Sea-Hawks into AUS semifinal

(ANTIGONISH, N.S.) The STFX X-Men are moving on to the semifinals of the Bell AUS Men's Soccer Championship thanks to a 1–0 win over the Memorial Sea-Hawks on Thursday evening at STFX Stadium.

STFX now advances to play the second-seeded Dalhousie Tigers at 4 p.m. Friday.

It was tense early, with both teams pressing for an advantage. Memorial had a few free kicks in STFX territory, but the defence — and AUS second-team all-star keeper Sam Diltz — kept things even.

STFX forward Christian Lamb hit a volley just wide off a pass from Sam Barrowcliffe in the 30th minute.

The X-Men controlled possession for most of the quick-paced half, but the score remained 0–0 at the halftime break.

Damian DeDekker fired one just over the bar early in the second half, and a low header from Sea-Hawks midfielder Rodion Kichimov forced Diltz to make a diving save a few minutes later.

The teams continued to press for the go-ahead goal, with STFX looking dangerous throughout. Barrowcliffe whistled a shot past the post in the 68th minute.

STFX captain Kyle Cordeiro notched the lone goal of the game in the 77th minute, one-touching a pass from Barrowcliffe after some nifty ball movement.

Midfielder Noah MacIntyre earned Boston Pizza Player of the Game honours for his steady work in the midfield.

Recap courtesy of Matt Draper / STFX Athletics