Minnesota Axmen Soccer Team Gains 1st Ever Point in MRSL, Tie Fury S.C. 2-2

The MN Axmen debuted their black and white away striped uniform to take on Fury S.C. at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Sunday. The Axmen welcomed Donovan Gross, Charlie Estep and Rob Manley as they made their first appearance for the mighty Axmen.

The memories of the 5-2 loss last weekend coupled with the news that starting goalkeeper, Ivan Woyno was out for the game, had the Axmen facing a daunting task.   Spirits where high and the team was full of confidence however as Head Coach, Tom Dawson went through the game plan and sent the guys out onto the field.

Fury S.C. won the toss and elected to play with the wind behind them in the first half. The Axmen started brightly with plenty of possession but the lack of creativity in the final third never really threatened the Fury goal. The Axmen had to settle for a few long range shots that didn't trouble the Fury goalkeeper.

Fury S.C. started to gain some rhythm in the first half and were able to create their first goal of the game on a shot from 9 yards out, 1-0 to the Fury. A second soon followed in a similar fashion on a wonderful cross by the Fury to the waiting left foot of their forward. With the wind behind Fury S.C. and the sun in the Axmen's eyes it was challenging for the Axmen back line.

The Axmen went into the break 2-0 down and if it wasn't for the heroics of goalkeeper Nicolas Nikolov the score could have been a lot worse. But all was not lost, Coach Dawson rallied the troops and the team ventured out into the second half ready for battle.

With the wind behind them, the Axmen went at the Fury with passion and flair in the opening minutes of the 2nd half.  Numerous one on one opportunities went by before Dustin Fuchs finally put one in the net for the Axmen's first goal of the game. 

After the first goal, the Axmen upped the tempo of play and created a string of opportunities in a desperate attempt to tie the game. Scoring chance after scoring chance came and went for the Axmen as they relentlessly attacked the Fury. Roger Derham blazed a volley high and wide, free kicks were blasted and multiple corners were taken, but still no equalizer.

Then in a moment of controversy, Axmen Forward, Donovan Gross was sent through on goal all alone and was taken out on the edge of the box by the last Fury defender. A red card was issued to the Fury defender and a free kick was taken. Francisco Durruty took the direct kick, but alas, missed.

Undaunted by the numerous missed opportunities, the Axmen kept at it and were rewarded quickly after the missed free kick with a goal. Gross was sent through again on goal and calmly slotted one in the back of the net. 2-2.

After the Gross goal, the Axmen continued their attack trying to find the winning goal.  In the final minutes of the game and the score tied, Axmen midfielder Ben Bridell was sent though on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bridell's shot was saved by the goal keeper and the rebound fell to Donovan Gross with an open net once again.  Unfortunately for the Axmen, the rebound shot from Gross's right foot flew over the crossbar and out of play.

The game ended 2-2 with the Axmen recording their first point in league play.

Next Sunday, the Axmen take on the Sunday Sting in Wayzata.  Game time is 6:30pm.

Man of the Match - Nicolas Nikolov

www.MNaxmen.com