Reds rally in second half, defeat Panthers 2-1
The UNB Reds defeated the UPEI Panthers 2-1 for the second time in five days.
By Thomas Becker
The UNB Reds defeated the UPEI Panthers 2-1 for the second time in five days.
Sunday's loss especially hurt as the Panthers (1-3-3) could not protect a 1-0 halftime lead. A penalty shot from Luke Rosettani in the 65th minute evened the score before Jackson Purbs secured the victory in the 77th minute.
The Panthers were the aggressors for most of the first half, as they outshot their opponent 4-2. They were rewarded for their effort in the 15th minute when a Will Campbell cross was tipped by goalkeeper Mahmoud Moustafa and landed behind him, where Jacob Tweel lunged for the ball and tapped it in.
UPEI carried that lead into the break but couldn't hold onto it, as the Reds (5-1-1) dominated the play in the second half and outshot the home team 8-1.
They would finally break through on Rosettani's penalty shot that he fired by Isaac Wolters, who picked the right side but couldn't get a glove on it.
UNB added the go-ahead goal in the 77th minute on a highlight-worthy play. Rosettani got the ball on the left wing and weaved his way through the defence and toward the top of the box where his pass was tipped to Purbs, who turned and volleyed it by Wolters for the impressive goal.
Rosettani's game-winner earned him Player of the Game honours, while Tweel was named UPEI's Player of the Game.
The Panthers look to get back in the win column Friday night when they take on the Cape Breton Capers, while the Reds square off against the Saint Mary's Huskies.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
