The senior team recorded what most observers are calling the club's biggest result in years by securing a 0-0 draw with massive series favorites Panathinaikos. GM Ross Houston could hardly contain himself: "It's hard to expect the coaches and players to be content with a draw, and they aren't. But any objective observer knows what a massive result this is for us. Everyone thought we were years away from getting a result against a team like this."
Panathinaikos had the better of the early exchanges and missed their first 2 chances. But the tide turned when standout Panathinaikos midfielder Bertil Normand suffered a nasty injury in the 17th minute. From then on CPH gained a small edge in the midfield play and was able to create a few chances of their own. Anselmo Cruz went close in the 34th minute to give Hounds some hope before halftime. After the break Hounds resumed their fine play and Adam Isaac probably should have grabbed the lead in the 75th minute. After his miss the momentum swung again as Norbert Carlton was shown his second yellow card in the 80th minute. From that point on Hounds were on the defensive, but in the end were able to keep the clean sheet.
Panathinaikos will undoubtedly view this as an upset, though they will still be confident of taking all 3 points when the two teams rematch later this season. For the time being, Hounds can celebrate.
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