UPEI (5-0-0) downed the X-Women (3-1-1) 1-0 in the battle for 1st place between the leagues only unbeaten teams as Andrea Yr Gustavsdottir placed the ball just inches inside the far post in the 55th minute after taking a great through ball from Andrea Archibald.
The St FX keeper guessed wrong on the ball from Archibald, unable to get back in position for Gustavsdottir’s strike.
The Panthers were much improved from Saturday and were full marks for the victory. As expected , the game was close throughout as the top defensive teams in the league provided little in the way of opportunities. The Panthers held an advantage in shots(8-3)chances(10-5) and corners (5-3) in the game where quality opportunities for both teams could be counted on one hand.
St FX added a 3rd striker just after UPEI scored, but could not generate any offense. They managed only 1 shot in final 45 minutes.
UPEI’s trademark stingy defense is in full gear, registering a 4th consecutive shutout for keeper Channelle Roy.
UPEI was the better team in 1st half, buoyed by the excellent midfield play of Archibald, Sarah Stanley and Danae Iatrou. They consistently outplayed the X midfield, matching them physically every step of the way. Archibald was the best player on the field, providing composure to a UPEI team that started 5 rookies. Little was lost from the physical presence when Alex Shinnan, another rookie, replaced Stanley in the 2nd half.
“ A solid team effort against a well coached side” commented coach Mike Redmond. “ The girls knew they had to pick it up after yesterday and we are pleased with how they responded”.
UPEI has a clear hold on 1st place and enjoys the tie breaker with contenders Dalhousie, St. Marys and X. The Panthers host UNB and defending champion Cape Breton this week as the league approaches the midway point of the regular season.
Department of Athletics