Wind no concern for PHS soccerThe Powell Panthers gave little regard to both visiting Lander and a howling westerly wind on Tuesday afternoon to score a 4-0 non-conference boys' soccer victory. “We looked like a totally different team,” said Panther head coach Pat D'Alessandro, referring to his team's previous outing, a 3-0 loss to Worland. “I don't know whether it was prom or if Worland just played that well, but we played a lot better today.”

Monte Nickles provided the Panthers with all the offense they would require in the game's opening minutes when he won a one-on-one footrace against a Lander defender and slipped the ball low past the Tigers' goalkeeper. With Powell playing the first half into the teeth of a 25-30 mph gale, the score took on even greater significance.

“It was definitely a boost for us,” D'Alessandro said of the early goal.

Nickles added a second into-the-wind goal for Powell shortly after the midway point of the first half. The Panthers added several additional scoring opportunities as the team consistently beat Lander on the wings, but was unable to find the back of the net, carrying a 2-0 lead into intermission.

With the wind at its back in the second half, Powell continued to relentlessly test the Tigers' defense. Reed Hackworth punched home a shot from the left side of the goal box to increase Powell's lead. Late in the game, Cooper Wise added a penalty kick goal to give the contest its final margin.

Much of the second half was played on Lander's half of the field. The Tigers were able to take a couple late second-half shots on goal against a mix of varsity and junior varsity Panthers, but Powell's shutout was never seriously in jeopardy in the second half.

The game had originally been scheduled for last Friday, but was moved to Tuesday following inclement weather.

The win improves Powell to 5-4-2 on the season. The Panthers, ranked No. 5 in the latest Wyopreps.com 3A soccer poll, continue a busy week on the soccer pitch with games Friday against No. 2 Jackson and Saturday against Pinedale. Both contests will take place at the west college field and will be accompanied by games featuring Powell High School's girls' soccer team.

The Panther girls were idle on Tuesday, having played at Lander last Friday.