O’Neil scores late equalizer as Huskies draw Panthers 1-1

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Saint Mary's first year forward Áine O'Neil scored her first career goal in the 74^th minute, as the Huskies tied the UPEI Panthers 1-1 in Atlantic University Sport Women's Soccer action on Saturday in Charlottetown, PEI.

On a wet and windy day across the Maritimes, the Huskies were able to find several quality scoring opportunities early. Forwards Cara Freeman (Halifax, NS), Lindy Brunelle (Kewsick, ON) and defender Madlyn Blinn (Lower Sackville, NS) all had shots on goal, but were denied by Panthers goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei (Burlington, ON).

It was the Panthers that would strike first on a nice passing play – forward Abby Locke (Dartmouth, NS) crossed to Wendy Dadzie (Greater Accra, Ghana) who played a gorgeous no-look flick onto the foot of forward Emma-Grace Carrier (Fredericton, NB) to put the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 17^th minute.

Saint Mary's looked to respond but were unable to record any more shots on goal in the first half, and the Panthers took a 1-0 lead into half time.

The Huskies continued to push for an equalizer in the second half, but Mazzei continued to be solid in the Panthers goal, denying Cara Freeman for the second time in the match.

It would be first year forward Áine O'Neil (New Ross, NS) who was finally able to equalize. Midfielder Sarah Eden (Ottawa, ON) won the ball in midfield and played a pass out wide to midfielder Charlotte Baines, who dribbled past a defender and crossed it back in to Eden. Eden's initial shot was denied by a defender, but O'Neil pounced on the rebound and fired a hard shot into goal to tie the match at 1-1 in the 74^th minute.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ⚽️

Welcome to the @AUS_SUA Áine O'Neil! The first year forward scores the first goal of her Huskies career to tie the UPEI Panthers at 1-1!

Watch live: https://t.co/9SKlJaeLEr pic.twitter.com/oSGvRPMA9C

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) September 7, 2024

Neither team was able to get a go-ahead goal over the final 17 minutes, and the match finished as a 1-1 draw.

The Panthers record now stands at 1-1-1 on the season. They'll be back in action on Sunday, visiting the Moncton Aigles Bleues (1-1-1) at 1 p.m.

The Huskies record improves to 0-2-1 on the campaign. They'll continue their road swing on Sunday, visiting the Mount Allison Mounties (0-3-0) at 1 p.m. in Sackville, N.B.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek / UPEI Panthers Athletics