Mounties beat Panthers for the first time in nine years

SACKVILLE, N. B. — A well struck ball by Myranda Weild in the 76th minute propelled the Mount Alison Mounties ( 4- 3- 1) to a well deserved 1- 0 victory over the UPEI Panthers ( 5- 2- 2) in Sackville on Friday afternoon in AUS women’s soccer action.

Weild outpaced the Panther backline and one timed a shot that appeared to go through Panther keeper Channelle Roy’s hands.

UPEI was the better team in the early going with the Mounties taking control late in the first half before easily outplaying the Panthers in the second half.

Mount A had nine chances and eight shots in the second half, which was played in a steady downpour. In contrast, the Panthers managed only one shot in the second half.

It was the Mounties first win over a UPEI team since Mike Redmond became head coach nine years ago, a span of 18 regular season games.

Islanders Emily van Diepen and Kristyn Visser played solid games at centreback for the Mounties. Mount A was the more composed team for much of the match, being able to string together a number of passes on a poor playing surface. The Mounties worked harder and stuck more tackles than the Panthers as the game progressed, sensing the opportunity for the upset.

Goaline saves by Kelsie Collier and Lyndsay Noonan seconds apart late in the game kept the score close.

UPEI’s best chance came of the foot of Meaghan Malcolm late in extra time as she nailed a shot from just inside the 18- yard box off the crossbar. Sarah Stanley had a pair of decent chances in the early going and was the most effective Panther going forward in the first half.

UPEI visits Dalhousie ( 52- 1) today at 1 p. m.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GUARDIAN BY SUSAN SEABORN Myranda Weild, left, is being pursued by UPEI’s Allyson Seviour during AUS women’s soccer action in Sackville, N. B., Friday. Weild scored the only goal, leading Mount A to its first win over UPEI in nine years.