Sunday, October 24, 2010
A 3-0 Memorial victory on Sunday afternoon at the UPEI turf, sealed the deal for the UPEI Panthers men’s soccer squad, eliminating any possibility of advancing to the AUS finals to be held the first weekend of November in Moncton. The Panthers needed a victory today and next Saturday against UNB, plus a little help along the way to have any hope to continue their consecutive playoff streak. The loss ends the streak at 15 consecutive years.
The Sea Hawks opened the scoring in the 13th minute on a nice shot from the right side from Mike Brushett that hit just inside the far post of UPEI’s keeper Dave Feener. UPEI just didn’t have the kick they needed in this game and were unable to create any good scoring chances throughout most of the first half, even with the wind. The half ended 1-0 with Memorial set to enjoy the wind advantage in the second half. Nine minutes into the second half, Brushett scored his second of the game on a set play free kick from 19 yds out. The ball careened off a Panther defender’s leg giving Feener in goal no chance. Running out of time and now needing three goals to win, coach Page pushed players forward, however with little success in generating any sustained attack. An own goal in the 72nd minute sealed the victory for the Sea Hawks, keeping them in the hunt for a playoff spot.
“I think the weekend went pretty much like our season went, we defended pretty well, but we just missed too many goal scoring chances, you can’t do that and be successful,” said coach Lewis Page. “I think Dan Hill was our best player today, with the passion and commitment he showed in the game is an example that our entire team could follow.”
Stats on the day had shots at goal even at 14, while Memorial outchanced UPEI 6-3. The Panthers outfouled the Sea Hawks 11-8 and had the edge in corner kicks 5-3.
The Panthers (4-7-1) now play out the season against UNB (5-5-2) in Fredericton next Saturday.
Department of Athletics