Tigers' early goal sinks Panthers 1-0, shaking up AUS playoff race
The UPEI Panthers' playoff hopes took a hit Saturday afternoon as they fell 1-0 to the Dalhousie Tigers in a pivotal Atlantic University Sport (AUS) clash.
By Thomas Becker
The UPEI Panthers' playoff hopes took a hit Saturday afternoon as they fell 1-0 to the Dalhousie Tigers in a pivotal Atlantic University Sport (AUS) clash.
The loss saw the Panthers (3-5-1) fall out of a playoff position, while the Tigers (3-3-3) leapfrogged into one of the final three spots. With just three games remaining in the regular season, both teams remain in a tight race for the postseason alongside three other squads.
In a hard-fought battle, it was Dalhousie's lone goal that proved decisive. In the 13th minute, Tigers forward Mohammed Wahdan wrestled possession away from a defender and took the ball into the penalty area. Wahdan then centred a precise pass to teammate Ben Hashimoto, who unleashed a sharp shot toward the goal. Panthers keeper Isaac Wolters managed to get a hand on the ball, but it wasn't enough to keep it out as the Tigers went ahead 1-0.
The Panthers fought valiantly to find an equalizer, applying pressure in the final moments of the match. However, they struggled to break down a stingy Dalhousie defence, as goalkeeper Sinclair Astridge faced just one shot on target all game, earning a clean sheet.
The Panthers now shift their focus to a pivotal match against the Saint Mary's Huskies in Halifax Sunday afternoon, where they'll look to bounce back. Meanwhile, the Tigers aim to solidify their playoff position when they face off against the Mount Allison Mounties in Sackville.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
