The North Mississauga Soccer Club Women’s Panthers lost 6-1 to Durham FC in League1 Ontario action at the Paramount Fine Food Centre on Wednesday night.
Durham outplayed Mississauga on both sides of the ball, outshooting the Panthers 16-2 and scored three goals in each half for the win. While Panthers forward Paige Olesinski scored a goal in the 29thminute, which initially kept the game competitive at 2-1, an own goal against the Panthers six minutes later put the game back to 3-1, which remained the score until the three second-half goals.
Both teams played an aggressive attacking style throughout the game, with both teams putting in four forwards and three midfielders, making for an up-tempo game. Panthers head coach Judy Tjanetis said they wanted to try and play aggressive against Durham to try and match their speed.
“[Durham] likes to play wide and put balls in striker’s feet,” said Tjanetis before the game. “They like to play a 4-3-3, which we’re going to play against them today.”
Despite the loss, one bright spot for the Panthers was goaltender Sam Beckles, who saved 10 shots on net, some from close range, which kept her team in the game through the first half.
There is also reason to be optimistic. The Panthers are 0-4-0 this year but have scored in both of their last games, including a 2-1 nail bitter against DeRo United last Saturday. The results have been closer in the games after being shut out in blow out losses on the road against OSU and Woodbridge to start the year.
Tjanetis also said she is looking forward to having new players coming in. The Panthers team has been playing with a substantial number of call-ups from other leagues and programs, including the Ontario Women’s Soccer League, provincial team and U17 and U21 teams.
During the game against Durham, the team only had nine League1 roster players and call ups who played their first League1 game against Durham, which Tjanetis said posed a challenge but she is also thankful for them coming in and is optimistic about the club this year.
“We’ve had some inquiries to get new players in because we still need to add to our player base [having regular League1 players on the roster],” said Tjanetis. “We’ve had a bunch of new call-ups today which is a challenge. I’ve never coached some of these players before.”
The Panthers Women’s team plays their next game at home (Paramount Fine Foods Centre Field 1) on Friday, May 31st against the Oakville Blue Devils.
GO PANTHERS!
