Achkra scores stoppage-time winner as Aigles Bleus defeat Huskies 2-1

HALIFAX, NS – Reserve midfielder Achraf Achkra scored a 90^th minute header as the Moncton Aigles Bleus defeated the Saint Mary's Huskies 2-1 on Saturday night in Halifax.

The first scoring opportunity came from Huskies forward Sean Freeman (Halifax, NS) in the opening minutes, but his shot was pushed away by Aigles Bleus goalkeeper Matteo Blanc (Flavin, FR).

Huskies midfielder Colby Mercer (Beaverbank, NS) exploded off into the Aigles Bleus post at the 8^th minute with an powerful shot on target, but it was put out of harm's way by a diving Blanc.

Although the Saint Mary's attack kept the action concentrated in the Aigles Bleus territory throughout the first half, Aigles Bleus forward Robert Kamano (Moncton, NB) capitalized on a fast break and converted Moncton's first shot into a goal, putting them in the lead.

The Huskies pushed for an equalizer and nearly had an opportunity in the 35^th minute, but defender Adam Dunsworth (Halifax, NS) fired high of goal, and the Aigles Bleus took a 1-0 advantage into the half, despite the Huskies outshooting the visitors 16-4 through the first 45 minutes.

Early in the second half, Huskies defender Woody Bain (Dartmouth, NS) attempted a free-kick from a dangerous position, but the Huskies failed to convert it into a goal-scoring opportunity.

But Bain would find the Huskies equalizer in the 60^th minute, firing a long shot from nearly 30 yards out into the top corner, tying the match at 1-1.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Woody Bain with a rocket goal from 26-yards out to tie the match 1-1! pic.twitter.com/nrV0cVhOHw

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 1, 2023

Saint Mary's had several more scoring opportunities late, peppering chances at the Aigles Bleus net, but Blanc was excellent and the game remained tied after 90 minutes of regulation.

The chances continued coming in the six minutes of added time, and a free kick from Aigles Bleus midfielder Philippe Gallant (Bathurst, NB), caught the head of midfielder Achraf Achkra, who lifted it past Huskies goalkeeper Ryan Davis (Lake Loon, NS) to give the Aigles Bleus a 2-1 lead, which would go on to be the final score.

The Huskies created a tremendous amount of offence in the second half and throughout the match, outshooting Moncton 27-6, including a 13-3 advantage in shots on goal.

Aigles Bleus goalkeeper Matteo Blanc was named Player of the Game with 12 saves.

The loss drops the Huskies record to 3-3-2 on the season. Saint Mary's will be back on home turf on Wednesday night, taking on the Tigers at 5 p.m. at Huskies Stadium.

The Aigles Bleues win improves their record to 3-3-3 on the campaign. They'll have next weekend off, returning to action on Saturday, October 14 as they host the Dalhousie Tigers in Moncton, NB.

Recap by Vivek Philendra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics