Hurricanes defeat Panthers

Sanoh scores winner in first half

The Holland College Hurricanes defeated the UPEI Panthers 3-1 Friday night at the UPEI turf in the latest chapter in the men’s soccer rivalry.

The game was the first contest in the Mulligan Cup that continues today and Sunday.

The Hurricanes were able to take their chances while the Panthers had trouble in their attacking third finishing off their plays.

Holland College opened the scoring in the 28th minute on a 20-yard free kick by Charles Aondo that beat Panther keeper Nathan Ford just inside his right post.

The Panthers could not adjust and within a minute Hurricanes ace striker Ibrah Sanoh, a former Panther, made the score 2-0 on a run down the right wing.

He took an expert cut to the middle and found the side mesh on a quality strike.

The Panthers cut the deficit in half in the 62nd minute when midfielder Nacho Sanchez struck a swerving 30-yard shot from dead centre.

“We have to be better at taking our chances when we get them.” UPEI coach Lewis Page

However, the Hurricanes rebounded a minute later on a scramble in front of the Panther goal off a corner kick to score the insurance marker.

UPEI had the possession advantage throughout the game, but couldn’t capitalize on their chances.

“I think Holland College were full value for their win,” said Panther coach Lewis Page. “They took their goal chances well. In the second half we had them pinned in their end a bit, but we have to do more with our possession. We have to be better at taking our chances when we get them.”

The Panthers had 20 shots towards goal as opposed to eight for the Hurricanes. UPEI also had the edge in shots on goal 8-5 with chances even at five each.

Holland College outfouled UPEI 15-11 and each team had five corner kicks.

The Panthers play the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics today at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.