Elonda’s late game heroics keep Sea-Hawks alive in playoff chase

ST. JOHN'S, NFLD—The Memorial Sea-Hawks (4-6-1) scored in the closing minutes to take a nail-biting 2-1 victory over the visiting UPEI Panthers (0-8-2). 

The Sea-Hawks came out of the gates firing, dominating possession and eventually broke the score on a nice finish by Colin Connors off a nice ball by Troy Petrie in the 18th minute. However, after being dominated at the start of the match, the Panthers responded following the goal by Connors, creating more possession and scoring chances at the Sea-Hawks net. The home side entered the half with a 1-0 lead and would look to lock things down in the final 45.  

The Panthers continued to push to avenge the goal they conceded earlier in the match, and they would eventually breakthrough at the tail end of the 90 minutes. Thanks to a fortuitous bounce, Panthers forward Jake Tweel was able to pounce on the ball in the Sea-Hawks box and find the back of the net. With the Sea-Hawks needing a win to stay in the playoff race, they had to find a way to take back the lead before time expires. Not long after the tying goal, the Panthers were awarded a penalty kick and looked like they were well on their way to ending the Sea-Hawks playoff hopes and grabbing their first win of the season. However, Sea-Hawks goalkeeper Daniel Hanlon came up big, saving the season with a huge stop off Kasper Lasia in the 81st minute. Adding to the heroics, off a tremendous effort by Gabriel Araujo Iage, Felly Elonda would find space in the box to head home the game winning goal and keep the Sea-Hawks playoff hopes alive.  

Hanlon was extremely steady between the pipes for the Sea-Hawks, stopping 6 of 7 shots fired his way, while his counterpart Isaac Wolters stopped 3 of 5 shots on target. Hanlon was awarded the Player of the Game for his game saving efforts.

RECAP/PHOTOS COURTESY: Memorial Sports Information