REDS Grab Share Of AUS Lead With Win

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UNB REDS beat the UPEI Panthers 2-1 Sunday, UNB's second win over the Panthers in five days.

The Panthers could not protect a 1-0 half-time lead as the REDS scored on a penalty by Luke Rosettani (Kanata, ON) in the 65th minute before Jackson Purbs (Welland, ON) secured the 2-1 UNB victory in the 77th minute.

UNB beat UPEI by the same 2-1 score on Wednesday, in Fredericton.

With Sunday's win, the REDS grab a share of first place in the Atlantic University Sports standings with the Cape Breton Capers. The REDS are 5-1-1, good for 16 points atop the table.

The Panthers were the aggressors for most of the first half, as they outshot their opponent 4-2. They were rewarded for their effort in the 15th minute when a Will Campbell (Stratford, PE) cross was tipped by goalkeeper Mahmoud Moustafa (Startford, PE) and then tapped in by Jacob Tweel.

UPEI carried that lead into the break, but couldn't hold it, as the REDS dominated the play in the second half and outshot the home team 8-1.

UNB finally broke through on Rosettani's penalty. UPEI keeper Isaac Wolters (Springvale, PE) picked the right side but couldn't get a glove on it.

UNB added the go-ahead goal on a highlight-worthy play.

Rosettani got the ball on the left wing and weaved his way through the defence and toward the top of the box where his pass was tipped to Purbs, who turned and volleyed it by Wolters.

Rosettani's work on the game-winner and his earlier goal earned him Player of the Game honours.

The Panthers look to get back in the win column Friday night when they take on the Cape Breton Capers.

The REDS square off against the Saint Mary's Huskies, in Halifax.

RECAP BY: Thomas Becker/UPEI Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Janessa Hogan/for UPEI Athletics