Panthers blank CVC to end victory drought

   Monticello head boys soccer coach Todd Norton summed it up with a simple, meaningful phrase: “Victory at last.”

   The Panthers ended a nearly two-year drought last week, scoring a 4-0 victory over Cedar Valley Christian April 20 in a match played at Alburnett.

   It was the first victory for a Panther boys soccer team since May 17, 2021.

   “This was truly a team effort, and it was so fun to see all of their hard work pay off,” Norton said.

   Deacon Besler scored three goals, and Brendan Pasker made 18 saves in goal to secure the shutout. Also scoring was Dom Larrimore off an assist from Kellen Graves.

   “Deacon is really embracing his role as a team leader on the field,” Norton said.

   “Dom had a really nice goal. Sawyer Brokaw continues to improve both offensively and defensively. Lincoln Neofotist also played excellently on both ends of the field.

   “Our defensive back five of Baylor Holub, Joel Arduser, Peyton Speltz, Elijah Norton and Brennon Merfeld played their best games of the year.”

   In all, the Panthers had 12 shots on goal. Besler had eight of those, Larrimore had two, while Baylor Holub and Brokaw had one apiece.

   Monticello (1-6) then ran up against a strong West Branch team April 21 in Monticello, and lost 9-0.

   “They were the best team we played all year, and controlled the tempo throughout the game,” coach Norton said. “West Branch is traditionally a really strong program, and their experience helped them dominate a cold, windy and sometimes snowy game.”

   Pasker made 38 saves in the match. The Panthers had one shot on goal, by Besler.

   Earlier, the Panthers played at Iowa City Regina (Class 1A) April 18, and lost by a score of 11-1. The Regals scored eight first half goals to take early control.