The UPEI mens soccer Panthers went into Sunday afternoon knowing it would be a battle with last year's AUS champions, Saint Mary's Huskies but after 120 minutes both sides came away scoreless. and UPEI wrapped up a very successful weekend with a win and a tie with the Halifax squads.
The Panthers went into the game plagued with injuries in the back four, forcing midfielder Adam Lowther to play out of position at centre back. Playing his very first game ever at this position alongside his mate Colby O'Donnell, backed up by wing backs Will Chandler and Dillon Wight, they kept the defense together and stymied all Huskies attacks. Coach Bruce Norton, who was forced to take over from Lewis Page who had to leave on assignment with the Women's national team, knew what to expect from the quick ball movement of the Saint Mary's attack. Counter attacks out of the back gave the Panthers opportunities but neither team could find mesh.
"Its a good start or us and four points on our first road trip of the season against those teams is a good result," said coach Norton. 'Some of our younger guys stepped up this weekend and when you have a make shift back four and two clean sheets you gotta be happy with that and I'll take that to the bank."
Panther keeper Dave Feener had a solid game in goal, getting his second clean sheet of the weekend.
On the game, UPEI were outshot 9-7, with both teams even in chances with 4 apiece. The Huskies out fouled UPEI 16-12 and had the lead in corner kicks 6-4.
The Panther's next game continues on the road with a visit to Mt Allison, on Sunday.
Department of Athletics