Defeat Star Valley 2-1The Powell Panthers wrapped up the regular season of boys’ soccer with a 2-1 victory at Star Valley and a 3-0 loss at Jackson over the weekend. The Panthers take an 8-7 record into a Saturday state tournament play-in game against Rawlins in Riverton.

After a strong start that saw the Panthers turned away on numerous attacking chances in Star Valley, the teams went to the second half still stuck in a scoreless draw. The Braves gained strength in the second 40 minutes, but the Panthers’ defense proved up to the challenge until the Braves slipped a goal into net with 15 minutes remaining.

“Star Valley had received a corner kick and their player kicked the ball out of bounds,” Panther head coach Travis Rapp said of the scoring sequence. “The ref, without explanation, gave them a second corner kick, which was much better and, after three of our players cleared or blocked shots off the goal line, Heston Swenson finally fell on the ball, but the center official signalled a goal.”

Short on time, the Panthers pushed freshman Ty Herd forward, hoping the youngster’s speed would help strain the Braves’ defense. Two minutes later, the ploy worked as Kaden Cherian intercepted a Star Valley pass, dribbled into the box and slipped a pass to Ethan Landers on the back post for a tying goal.

Two minutes later, Ty Oullette received a through ball and won a one-on-one against the Braves’ keeper to wrap up the regular-season sweep of Star Valley.

On Saturday, the Panthers faced off against Jackson. Still missing Cooper Wise, injured the previous week at Lander, and without Oullette, who awoke Saturday morning with flulike symptoms, the Panthers were in full improvisation mode at forward.

“We came out strong the first 15 minutes,” Rapp said. “With the losses up front, we just weren’t able to sustain a strong attack into their box.”

Jackson broke the scoreless tie with a shot that deflected off the near post and past Heston into goal.

The injury bug continued its late season bite against the Panther boys as well. Logan Hartman went down with a knee injury in the contest. Emilio Raya also suffered an injury to his foot, depriving the Panthers of another offensive spark.

“We just didn’t have the legs to stay with them with all of the injuries that were sustained,” said Rapp. “I was forced to play three swingers for extensive minutes in the second half who primarily play JV.”

The Broncs went on to score a pair of goals in the second half for a 3-0 win.

The loss sends the Panthers into the post-season with an 8-7 record. The team kicks off its post-season at noon on Saturday in Riverton. Powell faces Rawlins in a state play-in contest. The winner advances to the eight-school state tournament bracket. The loser is done for the year.

Powell scored a 3-1 jamboree win over Rawlins early in the year.

“I know they are young this year, but they have a good coach at the helm,” said Rapp. “We will not be looking past them. Great teams go out and take care of business when they need to, and that is what I expect our team to do.”

Rapp noted all the Panthers’ injured players are expected to be cleared for use in Saturday’s game.