Panthers remain undefeated in preseason with 4-0 win over Holland College

By Fred Foster

The annual preseason derby between cross town rivals Holland College Hurricanes and the UPEI Panthers was played Saturday evening at the Panther Turf before a good crowd from fans of both squads.

It was the Panther fans though that dominated in the celebration as UPEI romped to an easy 4-0 victory.  Again it was the solid defense that limited the Hurricanes to but one chance, a saved penalty shot, late in the second half by Panther keeper Brett Strba. Two first half goals by Lucas Ross (32nd minute) and Sam Smiley (44th minute) gave UPEI a well deserved first half lead.  The second half saw Moe Jaber (56th minute) and Neil Harte (88th minute) round out the scoring for the Panthers. This win for the Panthers comes off two previous mid-week road wins in Halifax against Dalhousie (3-0) on Wednesday and Saint Marys (2-0) on Thursday.  

The Panthers have yet to concede a goal thanks to the strong play of the back line.  

"I think today's result all started with our defending", said head coach Lewis Page. "One goal chance tonight, three clean sheets in a row now. I also thought our ball movement was really good. We moved the ball quick and pulled the Hurricanes into bad positions."  

The stats were a bit lopsided as well with UPEI having 23 shots toward goal with 15 shots on goal as opposed to 1 for the Hurricanes. Holland College were out chanced 13 to 1.  UPEI out fouled the Hurricanes 16-4 and edged in corner kicks 10-1.  

The Panthers will host Mt Allison at 3:00PM on Sunday afternoon to wrap up their preseason stretch before preparing for their season openers against Memorial Seahawks in St John's next Saturday and Sunday.