The red hot UPEI Womens Panthers extended their perfect season Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 victory over defending AUS champions Cape Breton Capers. UPEI(7-0-0) started quickly against CBU(4-3) being in alone on the Caper keeper 30 seconds into the match and again, 2 minutes later. A fine save on the 1st chance and a missed open net on the 2nd allowed the Capers to escape, at least temporarily.
UPEI opened the scoring in the 13th minute as Maria Scichilone finished off a scramble in the Caper box, depositing the ball past a cleanly beaten Caper keeper. The Panthers, as has been the case all season, outchanced and outshot CBU by a comfortable margin in the opening half. Clearly the Capers had the advantage in size, however the pace of the UPEI strikers caused their backline problems most of the afternoon.
Cheslie McInnis, enjoying a 2nd strong game on the weekend, added to the Panther lead when her hard, low shot eluded the Caper keeper in the 55th minute. The goal appeared to take the life out of Cape Breton, which managed only 1 shot in the 2nd half.
McInnis completed the scoring with a wonderful strike high to the keepers right in the 80th minute. The goal capped a tremendous run by Andrea Yr Gustavdottir, who raced 70 yards with ball, slowing down around midfield to beat a defender then carrying on down the right sideline before finding McInnis at the top of the 18.
The Panthers outshot the Capers 13-4 and held a 18-4 advantage in chances. Each team had 2 corners on the day as the Panthers recorded their 6th straight shutout.
UPEI has a commanding hold on 1st place, up 6 points on Saint Marys and Dalhousie and holding the tiebreaker on both teams. The Panthers have defeated and have finished their schedule with the 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th place teams.
Panther rookie fullback and BC native Kim Brown left the field in an ambulance following a collision in the 8th minute. The game was delayed 35 minutes as Brown was attended to on the field with what initial reports are indicating is a broken leg. Lynn Symington, in her 1st action of the season, filled in admirably at left back for Brown.
Coach Mike Redmond’s satisfaction with the unbeaten Panthers was secondary to his concern for Brown following the game .”Yes, we’re happy to be 7-0 at the break and happy to be scoring more than 1 goal. But Kim is the bigger issue right now. She’s been exceptional for us, and has what appears to be a serious injury. Kim’s health is our main thought at this point.
UPEI returns to action in 2 weeks on the road against UNB and Moncton
Department of Athletics