Panther soccer girls ousted

Posted 5/15/12

After playing to a 1-1 deadlock after 80 minutes of regulation soccer and two scoreless overtime periods, the Powell Panthers saw themselves ousted from the post-season after falling 3-0 in shootout play. The loss denies the team a place in the …

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Panther soccer girls ousted

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Shootout loss ends soccer seasonIn the mind of Panther soccer coach Brett Hanlin, the 2012 edition of Powell girls’ soccer is probably the strongest team the school has fielded. Unfortunately, following a shootout loss to Torrington on Saturday, the Panther girls will have little to show for that status.

After playing to a 1-1 deadlock after 80 minutes of regulation soccer and two scoreless overtime periods, the Powell Panthers saw themselves ousted from the post-season after falling 3-0 in shootout play. The loss denies the team a place in the state tournament field and ends the team’s season with a 2-11 record.

“Needless to say, we are disappointed,” said Hanlin. “We had probably our best game of the year. We had 27 shots on goal compared to their three. We had possession for 80 percent of the game.”

Despite the one-sided nature of those stats, senior Czarina Baker was able to produce Powell’s only goal. Baker’s goal came after receiving a pass in the box and then making a nice move with the ball to create space for her shot attempt.

“Sometimes in soccer, the better team does not prevail,” Hanlin said. “That was the story Saturday. We have experienced bouts when we had difficulties scoring all season, and this proved to be one of those times. Our passing game was really working well. The girls hustled and fought for everything.”

None of that was enough to add to the Panthers’ side of the scoreboard, however. After ending regulation deadlocked at 1-1, the Panthers and Trailblazers played two scoreless overtime periods, setting the stage for a winner-take-all shootout.

Torrington sent the first ball into net to the right of goalkeeper Sierra Baker. The Trailblazers’ second and third shot attempts followed a similar course. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ first effort went straight into the hands of Torrington’s goal keeper. Powell’s second shot drifted wide of the goal and when the Panthers’ third penalty shot again sailed straight into the waiting arms of the goalkeeper, the team’s season came crashing to an end.

“In my eyes, this is probably the strongest team that Powell has ever fielded,” said a dejected Hanlin. “With our previous games, we have shown that we could play with the best teams in the state. We are losing six seniors and will surely miss their experience, play and leadership. We have numerous young players returning, so next season looks promising.”

The Panther girls will hold their team awards night on Monday, May 21.

 

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