Reds Fall To Panthers
UPEI over UNB 2-1, in OT
(SYDNEY, NS) The No. 3 seeded UNB Reds fell to the No. 6 UPEI Panthers in a closely-contested quarter-final game, at the Subway Atlantic University Sport Men's Soccer Championship, on Thursday night.
In wet and windy conditions, the Reds offence applied pressure early, but Panthers fifth-year keeper Brett Strba (Fall River, NS) was up to the task.
In the 4th minute, after a misplay by the UNB fullbacks, UPEI took advantage, scoring the first goal of the match.
The Panthers then took control for much of the rest of the first half, pelting Reds keeper Even Barker (Winnipeg, MB) with shots.
UPEI took their 1-0 lead to the half.
The Reds came out aggressively in the second half, using smart passes and their team speed to create opportunities.
In the 68th minute, just after subbing in, Mathew Quigley (Chester Basin, NS) beat Strba with a shot that not only tied the game, but seemed to turn the momentum in favour of the Reds.
The score remained tied through full time.
In overtime, coming off a fast run by the Panthers, UPEI scored the eventual winner just two minutes in.
The Reds pressured late, including bringing Barker forward to the Panthers net for a corner kick in the final minute of play, but could not score an equalizer.
UPEI's Sam Smiley (Stratford, PE) was named the Subway Player of the Game.
The Panthers now face St FX in the semi-final round. Game time is 7:00pm, Friday.
RECAP BY: Daniel Briand/for CBU Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Vaughan Merchant/for CBU Athletics