Varsity Reds Blank Panthers
UNB earns first win of season
(FREDERICTON, NB) After three draws to start the season, the UNB Varsity Reds finally found their way into the win column, on Sunday.
The Varsity Reds beat the visiting UPEI Panthers 2-0, in front of 364 spectators, at BMO Centre.
"It feels good," said Varsity Reds fullback Matt Mountney(Cheshire, UK). "We know it's been coming, it's just been tough to get the goals. It's good to finally get the goals and win the game."
The two teams traded early opportunities before the Varsity Reds opened the scoring.
In the 32nd minute, Marcus Lees pushed the ball down the left wing before crossing it in front of the Panthers' goal. First year VRed Tom Pheulpin(San Antonio, TX) was able to slip behind his check and chip the ball past PEI keeper Brett Strba(Windsor Junction, NS).
"I just happened to be in the right place, at the right time," said Pheulpin, of his first goal in a UNB uniform. "Marcus did all the work, honestly, and I owed it to him to finish it off."
The Varsity Reds took the 1-0 lead to the half.
Despite increased pressure from the Varsity Reds, the Panthers held on for much of the second half.
In the 74th minute, Mountney snuck inside the box and redirected a free kick past Strba, giving UNB a 2-0 lead.
"I think it's a massive confidence booster," said Mountney, of the win. "To finally get it right today is good, and I think we can build on this for the rest of the season."
Mountney was named the Subway Player of the Game.
Varsity Reds keeper Evan Barker(Winnipeg, MB) earned his third consecutive shut-out.
"It was a good, competitive match," said Panthers head coach Lewis Page. "The quality of UNB's finishing, the quality of their front players really showed today. They're a team that knows how to win games, and we're a team that's still learning how to win games."
The Varsity Reds are now 1-0-3, while the Panthers fall to 0-4-0.
UNB now prepares to host the Acadia Axemen, Sunday, at 3:15PM, at BMO Centre.
The Panthers welcome the Dal Tigers to UPEI, on Saturday, for a scheduled 3:15PM start.