Jaha, Lasia lead Panthers to opening day victory

By Thomas Becker

After one game, the UPEI Panthers have already matched last season's win total.

The Panthers (1-0) sent the home crowd buzzing after a 2-0 victory over the Mount Allison Mounties Friday night. Third-year fullback Riad Jaha and third-year midfielder Kasper Lasia scored in the win, while goalkeeper Isaac Wolters earned the clean sheet. 

When the annual AUS Coaches' Poll was released Thursday afternoon, the consensus was that UPEI would finish the year in eighth place—two places out of a playoff spot. It's not where the Panthers see themselves and they're using that as motivation. 

"We knew we had a team that was good enough to do better than last year's record," Jaha said. "It's a great start from the guys and we're looking to build off it."

While they weren't rewarded right away, the Panthers controlled the pace of play throughout the game. It wasn't until the 35th minute when Jaha broke the deadlock. Off a corner kick, Emile Abele's volley ricocheted off the post to Jaha, who put away a powerful shot that skipped off the turf and beat Rhys Chambers. 

"I was just trying to get a good connection and place it, not just smash it over the net."

In the 55th minute, Jaha set up Lasia nicely for a header, but it was right at Chambers who made the stop.

However, the Panthers added to their lead 10 minutes later. As Jonah Bartlett was taking the ball toward the net, he was struck above the waist resulting in a penalty shot. Lasia, who's typically their penalty shooter, fired it off Chambers before putting away his own rebound to secure the 2-0 win.

"We know what we have to do to get these points. We have to start each game with the same intensity and take it game by game," Jaha said. "We have a great group of guys and I think we're definitely good enough for a playoff spot."

The Panthers look to go 2-0 Sunday afternoon start when they welcome the Acadia Axemen for a 3:15 tilt.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek