Panthers earn big point against Cape Breton

By Thomas Becker 

After Friday's disappointing loss, the UPEI Panthers knew they needed to come into Sunday afternoon's game with a lot more energy and they did exactly that as they earned a valuable point in a nil-nil draw with the Cape Breton Capers. 

Veteran midfielder Tyffanie Bordage said the team was embarrassed in their 6-0 loss to the Dalhousie Tigers and vowed to come back stronger against the Capers, who owns the league's best record at 5-0-2. 

"We were disappointed after our Friday night game because we know how much better we can be," she said. "We just told each other if we outwork them then we should get the result we're hoping for." 

In six years with the club, Bordage has never earned a point against the dominant opponent, so there was some added motivation. 

"It shows just how hard you have to work against top teams."

Rookie defender Grace Veinotte said the backline's strategy heading into the game was to play more compact and composed, and it worked as they held the top-scoring Capers without a goal. 

The Panthers' (1-3-3) defence showed great improvement after Friday's lackluster performance by forcing the opponent to strike from outside instead of allowing them to get inside at will. 

However, Cape Breton generated a couple chances in the second half that could've turned the tide. First it was Fatou Ndiaye who got a ball in the six-yard box but rang a shot off the crossbar in the 50th minute. Minutes later, Amelia Carlini sent a beautiful cross to Victoria Miller, who also couldn't to connect as she fired it off the crossbar.

The Capers had another chance in the 73rd minute, but a volley by Amy Lynch was safely secured by Panther keeper Ali Muise to keep the game scoreless. 

After the game, UPEI head coach Lewis Page said he was pleased with his team's bounce back effort.

"They worked for each other and did all the little things to get points off top teams," he said. "We defended with great energy. We were sprinting, closing the gaps and putting them under pressure and that's what you need to stifle those teams." 

The Panthers return to the pitch Oct. 16 when they take on the Mount Allison Mounties for a road match.

Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan