Panthers and Seahawks open season with a tie
A defensive battle leads to a scoreless draw for Panthers at KGV field Saturday afternoon.
St. John's, NL - The Memorial Sea-Hawks held a strong defensive line against the UPEI Panthers ending with a 0-0 draw at KGV field on Saturday afternoon. UPEI's defence was equal to the challenge and kept Memorial's attack at bay.
Ronaldo Morris (Mount Pearl, NL) led the Sea-Hawks with attempts on goal in the first half with three shots. Memorial's rookie Harry Carter (St. John's, NL) had a header attempt in the 41st minute but was saved by Panther's goalkeeper Brett Strba (Windsor Junction, NS). Memorial had four corners in the first half, but the Panthers defence succeeded in dispersing the Sea-Hawks attacks.
UPEI had 2 shots on net in the first half, one by Chris Sear (Charlottetown, PE) in the 21st minute that was saved by Memorial goalkeeper Braeden Sheppard (St. John's, NL), and another shot by Ignacio Sanchez (Cornwall, PE) in the 28th minute that went wide. UPEI also had four corners in the first half, but failed to capitalize on them.
The second half opened with a strong defensive performance by Memorial, with Michael O'Brien (Mount Pearl, NL) making crucial tackles to keep his team in the game. Rookie Ben Stone (CBS, NL) also had a solid performance, keeping the midfield tight and ensuring possession for his team. UPEI's Ignacio Sanchez showed his talents and broke through the defence again in the 76th minute, with a powerful shot to the left corner. Memorial's keeper Braeden Sheppard was equal to it, making a diving save across his net only to have it rebound and UPEI's Sam Smiley (Stratford, PE) looked to take the lead. But, Sheppard quickly got up and made another incredible save that was rebounded again and then shot over the net. Sheppard's skills kept Memorial in the game, but his team still couldn't sink one past Brett Strba. UPEI outshot Memorial in the second half 5-4 with goal attempts from Sam Smiley, Ignacio Sanchez, Neil Harte (Cork, Ireland), and Mon San Aung (Charlottetown, PE). Memorial's attempts were from Sean Henderson (St. John's, NL), Ronaldo Morris, Fomba Fambulleh (St. John's, NL), and Owen McAlesse (St. John's, NL).
The Subway Player of the Game was Michael O'Brien from Memorial, who's defensive prowess was essential to his team's defensive performance. Tomorrow both teams will come out looking for goals that they didn't find today. Game is at 3:15pm September 9 at King George V Field at 3:15pm and can be seen on AUStv.ca.