Panthers’ stifling defence leads to narrow victory over Acadia

By Thomas Becker

When a team puts on a defensive clinic like the UPEI Panthers did Saturday night, one goal is all you need. 

In the 54th minute, Taheil Davis gathered a throw in, passed it across his body to Nathan Chow, who sneaked the ball past goalkeeper Andrew Nutt, as the Panthers (2-1-0) edged the Acadia Axemen 1-0. 

Chow said he and Davis have developed good chemistry on the pitch and have often practised executing plays like that. 

"Me and Taheil have been working on that for a while now. Every time he goes down the wing, I tell him I'll always be that cutback man and he cut it back perfectly." 

While the goal was big in securing three points in the standings, what can't be forgotten is how proficient the defence was in limiting Acadia's attack. The Axemen (1-2-0) were held to just two shots on goal, neither one threatening, as Evan Couturier recorded the easiest shutout of his young career.

"Zero goal chances for the opposition; that's almost a perfect defensive game," said Panthers head coach Lewis Page. "It was a collective job. All the players working together, staying together, going together, it was perfect." 

Rookie defender Dan Mavakala showed fans how speed can counteract size, as the small-statured speedster consistently ran down balls and caused fits for the opposition when they were attacking. 

Mavakala, who was named the Subway Player of the Game, was quick to recognize his teammates for a complete defensive effort. 

"We're working hard together," he said. "When we work as a team, we'll get the results, and we did that today."

In just their third game of the season, the young wing back has already noticed significant growth in the team and believes they're just scratching the surface of their potential. 

"We're finally getting used to playing with each other, and we're growing as a team." 

Page applauded his young team's composure after two delays forced the game to stop. Lightning extended the halftime break from 15 minutes to 30, while a light malfunction early in the second led to another lengthy delay.

"I thought their focus with all the distractions was great," he said. "They kept their level of intensity up the entire time, and it paid off in the end." 

The Panthers look to capture their third win in a row next Saturday when they take on the Saint Mary's Huskies.

Photo Credit: Greg Ellison