Panthers close out first week with a late-game 2-0 loss against Bartlett Yancey

Two late-game goals were enough to send the Panthers home tired and frustrated Thursday evening against opponent Bartlett Yancey.  Despite the addition of new defensive player Finn Hubbs (pictured left), and great saves by both goalkeepers (Daniel Allred and Brad Barbee), the Orange High Men's defensive line was worn thin after multiple half-field sprints back towards the goal in the second half.  The defense plans to work on a staggered flat-back 4 today in practice in order to better anticipate the long balls over the top and hopefully save some of the players from having to make those desperate defensive sprints.  Both goalkeepers again showed great composure on the field.

A few lineup changes are still in the works, with Bowen Collins trying out a forward position, Morgan Collins giving a go at holding center midfield, and Gerardo Figueroa developing a 2-touch game as a center midfielder.  The coaches were proud of the progress this week--the team has shown much improvement, both technically as well as in their amount of hustle.  If the Panthers keep up their desire to play hard for a win and the element of fight in their level of play, it is certain that a victory is just around the corner.

The Player of the Game was RJ Jackson (pictured dribbling right and heading below left), who is great with the ball at his feet and is hungry for solid defensive steals.  He took some advice from the coaches to play his passes early and worked it immediately into his play, giving the Panthers some more offensive attacks up the sidelines.  RJ is a threat as both a forward and a midfielder, and his level of toughness was unmatched last night.

The Panthers head into one more practice this week with a few things in mind: less dribbling and earlier passes, keeping the traps closer to their bodies, staggering the defensive line against speedy opponents, set pieces (corner kicks, goal kicks, etc.), and, last but not least, fitness.  The team faces cross-town opponents Cedar Ridge at home on Monday.  Please join us!

Keep up the hard work, gentlemen.

A big thanks to Mary Driebeek, local photographer, for some great shots of the game!