Rookie Rio Crystal shines in triumphant return, secures UPEI Panthers' 2-1 victory in home opener

By Thomas Becker

Returning to the pitch with renewed passion, rookie Rio Crystal made his comeback unforgettable, playing a key role in the UPEI Panthers' 2-1 victory over the Memorial Sea-Hawks in their home opener.

After stepping away from the sport for a time, Crystal missed the camaraderie and team dynamic soccer provided. His return to the field was not just about rediscovering his hunger for the game but also about making an immediate impact, which he did in the 71st minute when he added to the Panthers' lead. 

"I'd like to thank (coaches) Jake Hanson and Sean Flemming for making me fall in love with footy again. After graduating high school in 2021, I had plans to hang my boots up and prioritize my career. But Jake gave me the opportunity to play for Team Yukon at the Canada Summer Games and it made me realize how much footy means to me," Crystal said.

"Tonight was incredibly meaningful to me. On a personal level, scoring and celebrating with my teammates and the fans is what my inner child dreamed of."

The game was a showcase of UPEI's promising young talent, with fellow rookie Thomas Gagné opening the scoring in the 22nd minute. Gagné capitalized on a mistake by the Sea-Hawks (0-1), picking off an errant pass and skillfully maneuvering past two defenders. With a precise left-footed strike, he slipped the ball past goalkeeper Louis-Charles Vaillancourt into the far corner, giving UPEI a 1-0 lead that they carry into halftime.

"He's so quick, which is why we opened the game with a high press to take advantage of Thomas' skillset," said Panthers head coach Lewis Page. "He read the play perfectly and did really well to stay calm and slot it with his left foot."

As the second half unfolded, the Panthers (1-0) continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 71st minute. The ball rattled around the penalty area following a shot attempt by Jacob Tweel, which the Sea-Hawks' goalkeeper managed to deflect. However, Crystal was in the right place at the right time, pouncing on the loose ball and calmly slotting it home to double the Panthers' advantage. It was a fitting reward for Crystal, who had not only returned to the sport he loved but also delivered a crucial goal in his first game back. 

Isaac Wolters, standing tall in goal for UPEI, was on the verge of a clean sheet until the Sea-Hawks' Troy Petrie lobbed a shot over his outstretched arms in extra time, cutting the Panthers' lead to 2-1. Despite the late goal, Wolters' performance was solid, helping to secure the win for his team.

The Panthers now look ahead to their next challenge, aiming to build on their momentum when they face the visiting Cape Breton Capers on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Meanwhile, the Sea-Hawks travel to Halifax to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies, hoping to bounce back from their narrow defeat.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek