MHS scores eight goals in 1-1 week

     Monticello displayed its offensive firepower in a pair of recent boys soccer matches.

     The Panthers (3-4) scored 19 goals during the entire season in 2018, but totaled eight in just two matches last week, a 4-3 home loss to Mid-Prairie April 15 and a 5-0 shutout win at Clinton Prince of Peace April 18.

     Tony Wallerich scored three goals against Prince of Peace – he had five total for the week – as the Panthers totaled 20 shot attempts, including nine shots on goal. On the other end of the field, Alex Fagan recorded the shutout in goal, making 12 saves.

     “We moved the ball well and were able to get a good amount of scoring chances,” Monticello coach Phil Gilkerson said. “I am very happy with the way the team is developing as the season is progressing.”

     Two of Wallerich’s goals came in the first half, sandwiching a goal by Ethan Martensen, as Monticello took a 3-0 lead into halftime. Wallerich added a third goal 10 minutes into the second half, and Cade Folken scored with 18 minutes left in the game.

     Picking up assists were Devin Kraus, Chase Leuensman, Kurt Stadtmueller, Martensen and Folken.

     The Monday loss to Mid-Prairie was a heartbreaker for the Panthers, who held a 3-2 lead at halftime but gave up a penalty kick goal early in the second half and one more goal for the Golden Hawks with 15 minutes left to play.

     Wallerich scored two goals, the first assisted by Stadtmueller; and Martensen scored off an assist from Kraus. Fagan made 17 saves in goal.

     Monticello had 13 shot attempts in the match, including seven shots on goal.