Three foes defeat MHS

     Monticello is finding ways to be competitive in boys soccer matches. Now the Panthers just need to find a way to come out on top.

     The best match for the Panthers (1-8) in a three-match week came at Cedar Valley Christian on Tuesday, April 18. The teams were tied 1-1 at halftime, before CVC scored the eventual game-winner late in the second half to win 2-1.

     “I thought our team played well throughout the game, but we ran out of gas late in the second half,” Monticello coach Phil Gilkerson said. “We have been playing well all year, but haven’t been able to capitalize on scoring opportunities.”

     CVC scored first, about 10 minutes into the match, but the Panthers answered. Gavin Holub tied the game with 15 minutes left in the first half on a shot from 12 yards out. Monticello goalkeeper Jordan Breashears made 24 saves. Holub finished with four shot attempts, including two shots on goal.

     Monticello was also competitive for most of an April 17 home match against Mid-Prairie. The Panthers trailed 2-1 at halftime – Holub’s unassisted goal was the Monticello tally – but Mid-Prairie pulled away in the second half to win 5-1. Breashears finished with 27 saves.

     On April 20, Monticello ran up against a strong Clinton Prince of Peace team in Monticello, and lost 8-0.

     The Panthers did have eight shot attempts in the match, including two apiece by Janik Chally, Austin Coohey and Holub. Scott Lange and Chally had shots on goal.

     “As long as we continue to create goal-scoring chances, we will be competitive in every game we play,” Gilkerson said. “Our defense is young, but we are learning quickly how to play at the varsity level.

     “We have a number of games, going forward, that I believe we will perform well in.”