Kaizer scores brace as Huskies defeat Panthers 3-0

HALIFAX, NS – Midfielder Colton Kaizer scored the first two goals of his AUS career, as the Huskies defeated the UPEI Panthers 3-0 on Sunday evening in front of 340 fans at Huskies Stadium.

The match initially unfolded as a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling to create significant and threatening offensive opportunities in the opening 20 minutes of play.

In the 21^st minute, Huskies forward Sean Freeman (Halifax, NS) played a masterful through ball, finding Colby Mercer (Beaver Bank, NS) in a prime position. Mercer took a shot, but unfortunately for the Huskies, it sailed wide of the target.

Mercer would have a chance again in the 31^st minute when he unleashed a thunderous long shot way outside the box that would just miss the net and hit the Panthers crossbar.

The Huskies persistent attacking efforts paid off in the 36^th minute as midfielder Jalen Loague (London, ON) played a cross into the box and found Colby Mercer, who smashed the ball past Panthers goalkeeper Isaac Wolters (Springvale, PE), giving Huskies a 1-0 lead in the first half.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Jalen Loague sets up Colby Mercer for his third goal of the season, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead against the UPEI Panthers. pic.twitter.com/XtvKm4RqCj

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 15, 2023

In the second half, the Huskies continued their relentless pressure. Sean Freeman delivered a pinpoint cross to Colby Mercer, who had a narrow miss off the goal post.

Mercer continued to pressure the Panthers defence, resulting in a goal in the 52^nd minute when he delivered a pass to midfielder Colton Kaizer (Chester Basin, NS), who took a touch and smashed the bottom right corner of the net, making the score 2-0.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Colton Kaiser scores off a pass from Colby Mercer! Kaiser's first @AUS_SUA goal extends the Huskies lead to 2-0. pic.twitter.com/qkQHENZq9J

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 15, 2023

The Huskies would build another opportunity in the 63^rd minute as Sean Freeman unleashed an impressive shot that was denied by Isaac Wolters diving effort.

In the 67th minute, Colton Kaizer showcased his exceptional skills once more, extending the Huskies lead to three goals. With remarkable precision, Kaiser fired a shot that soared into the top corner of the Panthers' net, giving Isaac Wolters no chance to make a save this time and sealing a 3-0 victory for the Huskies.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Colton Kaiser does it again! Two goals on the day for the first year midfielder and the Huskies lead 3-0. pic.twitter.com/qv1ZOXSvi6

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 15, 2023

Colton Kaizer was named Player of the Game with the first two goals of his AUS career.

The Huskies win brings their record to 4-4-3, bumping them to the fourth spot in the AUS standings with 15 points. They'll finish off the season at home, as they host the Mount Allison Mounties next Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:15 p.m. at Huskies Stadium.

The Panthers fourth straight loss dropped their record to 1-6-3 on the season. They'll look forward to bouncing back as they visit Mount Allison on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 8:15 p.m.

Recap by Samarth Behl / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics