Maria Scichilone’s deft redirect past an oncoming Acadia keeper provided the UPEI Panthers(10-1-0) a 1-0 victory over a hard working Acadia(0-7-4) team on Sunday afternoon.
On a day where most of the action took place between the 18 yard lines a lack of communication in the Acadia backfield allowed Scichilone to touch the ball past keeper Leisa Doyle and watch it roll 15 yards into an empty net in the 49th minute.
The game witnessed few quality opportunities for either team in a physical battle. Panther Alex Shinnan ,as is often the case, was a force in the middle of the park, often leaving opponents on the losing end of challenges. Centre backs Julie Lannan and Sara Stewart were their usual effective selves and converted striker Meaghan Malcolm had her 3rd consecutive strong game at left back.
Acadia’s best chance came in the 11th minute as Panther Keeper Channelle Roy was called for the handling the ball outside the box for the 2nd time in 2 days. Similar to Saturday, Roy atoned for the mistake with a nice save on a free kick from the top of the 18.
Scichilone had UPEIs’ best chance in the 22nd minute as she nailed a perfect Chelsie McInnis cross into Doyle.
UPEI’s 10th win of the season( 5th by a 1-0 score)matched a regular season high for the team and leaves the Panthers close to claiming a 2nd consecutive regular season crown. The team hopes to clinch 1st place with a win on the road this Friday against the same Acadia squad.
UPEI is a perfect 6-0-0 at home and have not conceded a goal in those games.
Department of Athletics