Panthers blank Mounties to keep playoff push alive

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Panthers kept their postseason hopes alive with a decisive 3-0 win over the Mount Allison Mounties Friday night at home.

With the victory, the Panthers remain just three points behind Acadia for the final playoff spot, setting up a dramatic finish with two games left in the regular season.

Sophomore striker Jahmal Boursiquot once again showed why he's been one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the conference. The Orleans native netted two more goals to bring his AUS-leading tally to eight on the season, further solidifying his reputation as UPEI's go-to finisher. 

Early on, however, it looked like the Panthers might be in for a grind. Mount Allison defended well and frustrated the attack through much of the first half. That changed in the 43rd minute, when veteran defender Riad Jaha picked the pocket of a Mountie winger and turned the play upfield. With space down the left side, he delivered a pinpoint cross into the box that found Boursiquot, who rose above the defenders to head home the opening goal. The late strike sent UPEI into halftime with a crucial 1-0 advantage.

The Panthers controlled much of the second half but had to wait until the 71st minute to extend their lead. Once again, Jaha was the catalyst, lofting another deep cross toward the top of the box. Boursiquot got a touch on the ball, and it dropped perfectly for Antwaan Miller, who smashed a half-volley past goalkeeper Aidan Chandler to double the lead. 

Boursiquot then sealed the result in the 89th minute after Miller broke free down the left wing and carved inside with a slick move. His low cross found Boursiquot, whose initial header was stopped by Chandler. But the rebound fell kindly in front of the striker, and while scrambling on the ground, he managed to poke the ball over the line for his second of the night and the team's third. 

UPEI's back line and goalkeeper Javier Zaragoza held strong, limiting the Mounties to minimal chances and preserving the clean sheet.

With their playoff lives still very much in play, the Panthers will look to carry the momentum into Sunday's pivotal matchup at home against the UNB Reds at 3:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek