Bolstered by the highest national ranking(number 4) in team history the UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers are eager to build on some impressive streaks as they enter the 2nd half of the 2011 season. The 1st place Panthers(7-0-0) are on the road to face UNB(2-4-2) and Universite de Moncton(0-6-1) this Saturday and Sunday.
UPEI heads into the weekend sporting a 21 game regular season undefeated run dating back to 2009. More important is the team’s recent run of six consecutive shutouts. UPEI has allowed only 2 goals during the 21 game streak.
While the Panthers have lost only once to UNB in 15 matches since Mike Redmond and Clarence Frizzell took over the team in 2004 players can expect a close match on Saturday. 9 of the last 10 games between the sides were decided by one goal or less. An improved UNB side, making a return to the playoffs this season after a 4 year hiatus, is looking to improve their seeding as the November playoffs approach.
All Canadian keeper Channelle Roy and her teammates enter the weekend with the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of the Panthers. Rookie defender Kim Brown is lost for the year(broken leg) and 3rd year centre back Allyson Seviour, injured in practise this week, is lost for an undetermined period with a leg injury. Veterans Sara Stewart and Julie Lannan will be asked to carry much of the load on the backend until the coaching staff settles on a revamped starting lineup.
The Panthers hope to see continued fine play from their midfield this weekend. Rookies Danae Iatrou and Alex Shinnan have combined with Andrea Archibald and Sarah Stanley to control the middle of the field for much of the season. The strong midfield play has led to many quality scoring opportunities for Panther strikers, who have spread the scoring around. Four strikers have registered at least three goals, making it difficult for opponents to focus on one or two players.
“It’s been good so far, now we have some adversity with these injuries” noted Redmond. ‘It’s an opportunity for some players to step in, we’re confident in their ability”.
Department of Athletics