Today was the first game. It was a close from the beginning. It took awhile for both teams to feel each other out. Mount Vista had the first real opportunity about 10 minutes into the game. But, they were denied by a great defensive play. The Panthers used that play to turn quickly into transition. They pushed the ball up the left side and after two nice passes toward the center, the Panthers scored on a deflection that pulled the goalkeeper over. Mount Vista tied the game right before halftime. They had put pressure deep inside Panther territory and causing penalty to occur in the penalty box while the Panther defense fought to clear the ball. Mount Vista scored the a penalty kick. The Panthers came back in the 3rd quarter scoring after a nice pass across the middle of the penalty box. Behind 2-1, Mount Vista came out firing. They scored 2 goals a couple minutes apart to take a 3-2 lead with 7 minutes left in te game. However, the Panthers dug in and kept clawing. The had no fewer than 5 golden opportunities within the last two minutes including a break away near the penalty box as the final whistle blew. The defending champ, Mount Vista, denied the equalizer to hold onto a come from behind victory. A great effort by both teams. I thought the Panthers had the better team, but Mount Vista hung in there and pulled it out at the end. The Panthers next game is Home(MES) April 1st vs. Toltec. Go Panthers!! |