Despite tough efforts, Panthers drop winning streak against Cardinal Gibbons

RJ Jackson gets past Gibbons' defender

With a whole new set of strategy, multiple new formations under their belts, and their signature relentless spirit, the Panthers faced powerhouse opponent Cardinal Gibbons Wednesday night ready to put up a fight.  Good thing, too, since fight they did.  Down 3-0 nine minutes into the game, the Panthers gritted their teeth and fought onward, not ready to give up.  They put Chris Lamay as a man-to-man mark against Cardinal Gibbons' #48, who had just scored two of their three goals, and saw 28 minutes of play without another goal being scored.  Chris did a great job of neutralizing #48 and forcing the rest of the team to operate within their other nine field players.  The back line worked perfectly, forcing the Crusaders offsides nine times throughout the game.  However, the team wasn't winning 50/50 balls or balls out of the air and their notorious style of aggressive and tough play was decidedly missing in the first half.  Going into halftime down 5-0, 4 of which were scored on breakaway plays, the Panthers agreed to make the Crusaders work for their win: if they were going to walk off with it, at least they'd have to earn it.

Tyler Taubenheim, Player of the Game

The second half was much better, with the Panthers controlling most of the play and putting a body on any Crusaders' player who came within their area.  The Panthers switched Tyler Taubenheim to a defensive center midfield position, knowing his presence in front of the defensive line would be a force.  He proceeded to win every ball out of the air in front of him, immediately challenge players dribbling towards him, and make himself available for distribution.  His tenacity, mental toughness, and hard work unquestionably earned him the title of Player of the Game.  The coaches are excited to start Tyler at the defensive center midfield position against Chapel Hill tonight.

Trevor Samsa played well at both outside midfield and forward, and Caleb Anderson tallied off seven shots for the Panthers.  Both Bowen and Morgan Collins were smart and concise in their defensive play, and Hector Paredes ran down multiple Gibbons' attacks in the back.  Brad Barbee played in goal for the Panthers, and finished the game with 9 solid saves. 

Jace Krogstad with a clearance

In the end, the Panthers held the Crusaders to a 2-0 second half, and were pleased to see immediate progress from the first to the second half.  Despite the loss, the Panthers haven't lost their fighting spirit, and don't plan on losing it anytime soon.  They play crosstown opponents Chapel Hill high school tonight and are ready for their next test-- both of character and competition.  The Panthers will begin their warm-up at 4pm.  We hope you'll join us for the last home game of the season!