X-Women stun Panthers, score three unanswered goals in 3-1 win
The St. FX X-Women staged an impressive second-half comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to defeat the UPEI Panthers 3-1.
By Thomas Becker
The St. FX X-Women staged an impressive second-half comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to defeat the UPEI Panthers 3-1 Sunday afternoon.
The X-Women (3-1-0) scored all three goals in the final 15 minutes of the match with Brynn Jurus at the heart of the action. Jurus not only found the back of the net with a stunning long-range effort but also set up a crucial assist to put the game away.
However, it was the Panthers (1-3-1) who struck first. In the 21st minute, Wendy Dadzie made a run up the right side and cleverly passed the ball back to Madi Fisher, who chipped a shot off the crossbar and past the goal line.
UPEI controlled much of the first half, with their defence holding firm under increased pressure. In the 37th minute, Claudia Mazzei came up big with a diving stop to deny Emma Steen's header off a corner kick. This crucial save preserved UPEI's slim lead going into halftime.
Early in the second half, the X-Women increased the tempo and created several dangerous chances. However, Mazzei once again demonstrated her shot-stopping ability, making another diving save in the 55th minute to deny what looked like a sure goal.
However, the tide turned in the 77th minute when Cheyenne Bower found space outside the 18-yard box and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Mazzei, evening the score at 1-1.
Just six minutes later, Caitlin Crichton centred a pass to Jurus, who fired a deep shot from 21 yards out that sailed past Mazzei's outstretched arms and into the top corner, giving St. FX their first lead of the game, 2-1.
The Panthers attempted to regroup, but St. FX's attack was relentless. In extra time, Jurus once again played a key role, threading a through ball to Ava Elgood, who calmly slotted the ball past Mazzei to secure the 3-1 victory for the X-Women.
The Panthers travel to Fredericton next Saturday to take on the UNB Reds, while the X-Women take on the Dalhousie Tigers in Halifax.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
