HALIFAX, N.S. - The UPEI Panthers went down to defeat 2-0 Sunday evening against Dalhousie, pushing the Tigers closer to the coveted first-round bye in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) men’s soccer playoffs slated for the first week of November at Cape Breton University.
The host Tigers came out with fire in their eyes and dominated the Panthers for most of the first half, both in possession and in the air. It was just a matter of time before Dalhousie would strike first and in the 32nd minute striker Freddy Bekkers scored what proved to be the game winner on a goal-mouth scramble.
The half ended 1-0.
The Panthers performance improved in the second half but could not crack the Tiger defence. A meaningless goal in the 92nd minute by Enriko Rodriguez closed out the scoring.
Fourth-year veteran Brett Strba took the loss in goal for UPEI.
“We used some of our bench in the second half (Neil) Harte, Jensen (Gauthier), (Austin) MacKenzie, (Liam) Doiron and they gave us a lift,” said coach Lewis Page. “A better second half.”
Dalhousie improved to 7-2-2 while UPEI dropped to 1-7-3.
The Panthers will close out their season on Friday night against Saint Mary’s at home on seniors’ night.
Fred Foster is the manager for the UPEI Panthers men’s soccer team.
