Panthers inch closer to playoff spot after 1-1 draw with Saint Mary's

HALIFAX, NS—A setting fall sun cast a long shadow over the field at Huskies Stadium on a cool fall evening, as the second placed Saint Mary's Huskies played host to the traveling UPEI Panthers. 

The last time the Huskies played the Panthers, Head Coach Lewis Page's defensive minded team was able to earn an impressive 1 – 1 draw after being down a man early in the game.  

The match started off fast and furious, with the Panthers fouling a SMU attacker in the box in the first several minutes, which resulted in the Official pointing to the dot. Cian Tousignant-O'Siadhail (Timberlea, NS / Arts) stepped to the spot, but put the ball high and right, passing over the crossbar.  

While the Huskies dominated the shots in the first half of the match, it would be the Panthers who tickled the twine first. In the 24th minute, Nathan Chow (Campbell River, BC) put the Panthers on the board with the first score of the match, his first of the season, by dashing up the middle of the defense on a bouncing ball, and putting a foot on the ball, past a sprawling Jenson Brown (Enfield, NS / Science). 

The second half of the match was an even affair, with both teams trading 6 shots a piece. In the 75th minute, Ahmed Ibrahim (Halifax, NS / Commerce) dropped a pass to a hard charging Adam Dunsworth (Halifax, NS / Arts) who fired the ball in with a left footed shot just past the left post.  

After 90 minutes of end-to-end action, the match ended in 1-1 tie. Adam Dunsworth earned Subway player of the game honours for his strong play on defense, and the goal that tied the game. 

The Panthers (4-3-4) travel to Wolfville on Friday, October 29th to play the Acadia Axemen, in what could determine whether or not the Panthers make the playoffs. 

Saint Mary's (6-2-3) next play host to the CBU Capers on Friday, October 29th at Huskies Stadium at 7:15pm. 

Recap: SMU Huskies Communications

Photos: Mona Ghiz