Sheppard's redemption header lifts Cape Breton over UPEI in gritty 1-0 win 

Sheppard's redemption header lifts Cape Breton over UPEI in gritty 1-0 win 

By Thomas Becker 

The UPEI Panthers put up a tenacious fight against the reigning U SPORTS national champions—The Cape Breton Capers—but ultimately fell short in a hard fought 1-0 defeat, with the decisive goal scored by veteran forward Owen Sheppard. 

The pivotal moment came in 37th minute when Amadou Bayo delivered a beautiful cross into the box where Sheppard rose to meet it with a perfectly timed header that just snuck past Panther goalkeeper Isaac Wolters. 

For Sheppard, the goal was sweet redemption after missing a penalty in the 21st minute, when his shot struck the crossbar, allowing the Panthers to briefly breathe a sigh of relief. 

UPEI (1-1) nearly found an equalizer just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Chinguun Khatanbaatar got free on the left side and unleashed a powerful shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. However, Cape Breton's goalkeeper Daniel Clarke launched his body to make the crucial save to preserve his team's narrow lead. 

The Capers (2-0) had a golden opportunity to put the game away in the 60th minute when Jamie Nicholson centred a short pass to Max Piepgrass who curled a shot that beat Wolters but struck the left post, keeping the Panthers within striking distance. 

Despite a spirited effort, the Panthers couldn't find a way to equalize. They will look to come back from this tough loss next Saturday when they host the Saint Mary's Huskies at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the Capers return home to face the Dalhousie Tigers.