Fredericton, NB – The St. Thomas University Tommies (1) and the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics (4) kicked off the first semi–final match of the 2022 ACAA Men’s Soccer Championships.

The first half was evenly contested, until STU managed to slowly start applying pressure on the Mystics defenders. Tommies’ striker, Josh Oakes, fired a shot on goal in the 30th minute, however, it was denied by Mystics’ keeper, Kevin Abraham. Minutes later, the Mystics responded with an offensive chance of their own, but they were also unable to capitalize.

St. Thomas would break the deadlock when Elias Stiphout managed to put one past Abraham after a scramble in front of the Mystics’ net in the 45^th minute of the first half. The Tommies took the 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Tommies applied the pressure early in the second half, with Brett Springer breaking away for an offensive opportunity, that was ultimately stymied by the MSVU defenders. It wouldn’t be Springer’s last chance however, as later in the half, Springer rushed downfield to receive a pass, and fired a shot on net, but the MSVU keeper shut the door with a diving save, keeping it a one goal game.

The Mystics’ best chance in the second half came in the 85^th minute, but the shot was stopped by Tommies’ goalkeeper Luke Ewen, who dove to make the save, keeping the score at 1-0.

Ewen said he wasn’t worried at all during the game.

“I have so much trust in this team,” Ewen said. “I never had any doubt.”

The Tommies looked to add an insurance goal late in the match, when Josh Kuehl drew a penalty kick in the 89^th minute. Kuehl made no mistake, capitalizing on his opportunity, sealing the 2-0 win for the Tommies.

“I’m ready – I'm psyched,” Ewen said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

The Tommies face off against the Holland College Hurricanes in Sunday’s ACAA Final at the Grant Harvey Turf Field, at 2:00pm.