On Tuesday, the Panthers headed to Stanfield to play in the championship game. The Panthers started off well by keeping the ball on Stanfield half of the field for most of the first half. However, the Panthers struggled to get the ball toward the center of the field and put pressure on the goal.

They did have a penalty kick from outside the penaly area, but it was kicked high and wide of the goal. Stanfield didn't have much success either. They did manage to work passed the Panthers fullbacks, but couldn't get any strong runs on the goal.

The Panthers didn't seem to be playing up to the teams capabilty. With that, they kept the scored tied 0-0 until a break went against them. Stanfield was on the Panthers side of the field when they had an opportunity for a free kick well outside of the penalty area. The Panthers set up a"wall". The kick came in low, and the Panthers were able to deflect it out and to the side. Stanfield's offense kept the pressure on so the Panthers could not clear the ball. When it looked like the Panthers would finally clear and have a chance to go into transition, the ball deflected off the referee. It went straight to the Stanfield's center forward. The Panther's defense had over committed to one side so it was a break away against the goalkeeper.

The center field dribbled in and scored a shot inside the goal post. The goalkeeper appeared stunned. The entire Panther's team had froze when the ball hit the referee. The team didn't realize that, like baseball or football, the official is part of the playing field. 1-0 Stanfield going into half time.

Early in the second half, Stanfield was able to  take advantage of a couple of rare defensive mistakes by the Panthers. They pushed the ball near the goal area, just to the goalkeeper's right side. The Panthers had defenders in the Stanfield's forward's way, but she was able to get off an awkward shot. The Panthers goalkeeper reached out to her left and the ball touched her finger tips. However, it rolled to the far side of the goal. 2-0 Stanfield.

The momentum had definitely shifted Stanfield's way. They denied Maricopa many would be opportunities to get close. The Panthers made many mistakes that stalled break aways or helped Stanfield go on the attack. Stanfield was not able to take advantage again, however. The Panthers seemed tired.

League rules allow for one time-out per half. The Panthers coach used the time out to shake up the lineup. He moved the starting goalkeeper to the left center forward position. There were also adjustments in the midfield.  The Panthers had only 9 minutes left  in the season, unless they could turn things around...fast.

The move seemed to work. The offense was moving the ball quicker, but an inspired Stanfield kept denying any opportunity. Stanfield would have a breakaway on the Panther's goal. The back up goal keeper stood her ground and made a nice save to keep the Panthers in the game.

The Panthers pushed the ball down the offense's left side. The left forward who has superior ball control and a strong kick got passed the right full back. The attack was on! Until... the right forward reached out for the ball and tripped the forward.

The player fell to the ground. She would get up and want to continue playing. The Penalty happened to the side of the penalty area. But, she could kick the ball directly in the goal from the spot. The wind had been blowing through out the game. It was blowing against the Panthers in the second half.

The left forward took a high shot on goal, aiming over the goalkeeper  toward the far corner. But, she overcompensated for the wind and the ball went over the crossbar.

The Panthers would keep the pressure on. They would force many goalkicks. Stanfield would be limited to clearing the ball out of bounds. Stanfield's strategy was to consume the clock. It seemed to be working.

The Panthers were able to get a shot on goal, but the Stanfield goalkeeper saved it cleanly. The Panthers set up for a drop kick (punt) by the goakkeeper. Amazingly, the goalkeeper put the ball down outside the goalbox. She was going to clear it out like a goalkick. However, it wasn't a goalkick...the ball was live!

The Panthers sideline got loud with excitement seeing an opportunity. But, no Panther was near, except the right forward. As quickly as the goalkeeper set the ball down,the right forward , who was standing nearby, sprinted in from the right side and SHOT the ball!!! The referee signaled goal!!!!!!! Maricopa made it a 1 goal game.

Stanfield's goalkeeper  was shocked. The entire Stanfield team stood in disbelief. The outcome seemed certain until then. The Panthers celebrated the goal while the coach reminded them they still needed one more to tie. There wasn't much time. The referee announced there was 4 minutes left in the game.

However, the Panthers had new life. They put intense pressure on Stanfield's defense.Stanfield, for its part, would desperately kick the ball well out bounds when given the opportunity. They knew they had (lack of) time on their side. The Panthers kept attacking. The Panthers got a break when Stanfield committed a penalty. Again, the ball was placed well outside the penalty area. The Stanfield defense formed a"wall" while the Panther's forward prepared for a shot.

This forward WAS the starting goalkeeper. EVERYONE was anxious. There couldn't be much time left in regulation. The forward kicked a high shot on goal. It wasn't kicked hard, it was arching down toward the goal. The wind was blowing in. The wind seemed to be helping the shot. The ball easily cleared Stanfield's wall and goalkeeper.

One could here "Drop, drop, drop" from the Panthers' coaches; hoping the ball would come down underneath the cross bar. The ball drifted down and nearly hit the crossbar, but it went over and out of play. Stanfield was closer.

The Panthers would keep the pressure on. The right middle fielder took contol of the ball just inside the penalty area. She made a quick turn toward the goal and fired a shot . The ball just missed the upper corner while going out of play. Then,the referee's whistle blew.

Stanfield beat Maricopa 2-1 to become league Champions. 

The Panthers played well all season. They made it to the playoffs after losing their first two games(both heartbreakers). They beat the #1 ranked, undefeated, and defending league Champs, Mount Vista in the semi finals.

Even after falling behind 2-0 with the championship game almost over on the road in Stanfield, the Panthers didn't give up. They battled to give themselves a chance to comeback and tie.  They had the HEART of champions.

Thank you 2008  Maricopa Wells Middle School Panthers for an enjoyable season!!!!

Go Panthers!!!!