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Press Release

Thursday, October 14, 2021

AUS Soccer: Key Aigles games this weekend


Photos : Chelsea Burnham and André LeBlanc.


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The Université de Moncton Aigles will play key and the last home games of the season this weekend in Atlantic University Sport soccer action at Stade Croix Bleue Medavie on the Moncton campus.

The Saint Mary’s University Huskies visit the Aigles Bleues (women) and Aigles Bleus (men) Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. respectively. On Sunday, at the same times, the University of New Brunswick Reds will be the opponents.

The Aigles Bleues (0-7-0=10th place) are still winless and are looking for a first win of the season with just five games left to play. They will be eliminated from the playoffs with two defeats, being 13 points off 6th and final playoff qualifier. The most they could add is 15 points (3 points per win). The Huskies have not won a game either this year; but have 3 tie games for 3 points in 9th position. The Reds have one win with 5 losses and 2 tie games for 5 points, in 8th place. Moncton has managed to score only two goals in 7 games while allowing 28.

"We are capable of winning these two teams, they are within our possibility," said Moncton coach Mehyar Zekaroui. “We are close in the standings and these two teams are playing their last chance to rank in 6th, which is the last place in the playoffs. We played well in the last two games, but I have four players who were starters at the beginning of the season and who are absent either due to injury or suspension. The players will go for it, we don't think about the necessary points. We focus on ourselves with our goals. »

For the third-year goalkeeper, Chelsea Burnham, "we hope to play as well as possible, have a good defence and accumulate points in the standings. On the field, we have improved and are playing better together. We know our behaviours and we want this first victory. Getting there will take a lot of hope, working as a team and having a positive attitude.”

The situation is very different in the men’s standings with the Aigles Bleus (3-3-1=10pts) in 7th place, one from the final playoff spot with five games to play. UPEI Panthers are just two points behind. Moncton is 3 points behind Memorial and Dalhousie with 13 points each for the final qualifiers. Moncton has won its last two games. The Huskies (5-2-1=16pts, 2nd place) will be the opponents on Saturday and the Reds (5-3-0=15pts, 3rd position) on Sunday. Both teams have better records than the Aigles. Moncton has scored 16 goals while allowing 13 this season.

“We play our games to win,” said coach Younes Bouida. “These are vital games and will be a good challenge. These teams have good offence and defence possibilities with experience. We will take advantage of their weakness and exploit our abilities to our advantage. Most players will be available for the weekend games, and it will also give us momentum for our last three road games.”

"I feel excited, but also sad to leave," said goaltender André LeBlanc, who will be in his last home game of his university career. “I've been playing with the Aigles for a long time. We play good games against Saint Mary's and UNB. We hope for the win. Defensively, we will have to play well. I really enjoyed playing with the Aigles Bleus and I have fond memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I hope that future players can benefit from the experience of my leadership and motivation on and off the pitch. »

Players from both Aigles teams having played 3 to 5 years in the program will be recognized before the Sunday games. Spectators may attend the four weekend games at Stade Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium. The proper wearing of a face mask is always required while in the stadium, except when actively drinking a liquid or eating food. 

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For more information :

Communications Department, communication@umoncton.ca, 506 858-4129

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