Panthers claim valuable point in 1-1 draw with Huskies
The UPEI Panthers secured a valuable point in the standings after finishing in a 1-1 draw with the Saint Mary's Huskies on Saturday afternoon.
By Allan April
The UPEI Panthers secured a valuable point in the standings after finishing in a 1-1 draw with the Saint Mary's Huskies on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong performance from Panthers' forward Emma-Grace Carrier and a resilient effort from goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei, the Huskies' late equalizer ensured the match ended in a draw.
On a wet and windy day across the Maritimes, the Huskies were able to find several quality scoring opportunities early. Forwards Cara Freeman, Lindy Brunelle and defender Madlyn Blinn all had shots on goal, but were denied by Mazzei.
It was the Panthers who would strike first on a nice passing play — forward Abby Locke crossed it to Wendy Dadzie who played a gorgeous no-look flick onto the foot of Carrier to put the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 17th minute.
Saint Mary's looked to respond but were unable to record any more shots on goal in the first half as the Panthers took a 1-0 lead into the break.
The Huskies continued to push for an equalizer in the second half, but Mazzei continued to be solid in goal, denying Freeman for the second time in the match.
It would be first year forward Áine O'Neil who was finally able to equalize. Midfielder Sarah Eden won the ball in midfield and played a pass out wide to midfielder Charlotte Baines, who dribbled past a defender and crossed it back in to Eden. Eden's initial shot was denied by Mazzei, but O'Neil pounced on the rebound and fired a hard shot into goal to tie the match at 1-1 in the 74th minute.
Neither team was able to get a go-ahead goal over the final 17 minutes, resulting in a stalemate.
The Panthers record now stands at 1-1-1 on the season. They'll be back in action on Sunday, visiting the Moncton Aigles Bleues at 1 p.m.
The Huskies record improves to 0-2-1 on the campaign. They'll continue their road swing on Sunday, visiting the Mount Allison Mounties at 1 p.m. in Sackville, N.B.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
