Senior-laden Panther boys kick off season with win

Goalkeeper Colton McCann, one of 10 seniors on Palo Verde’s boys soccer team, is confident the Panthers can win with defense.
But it’s always nice to get help from the offense, too.

Palo Verde opened its season by posting a 3-0 shutout of visiting Faith Lutheran on Monday.

Having played only a few scrimmages before Monday, the Panthers got goals by Anthony Kouglas and Matej Kustura in the first 20 minutes and cruised. Derek Dolence assisted on Kouglas’ goal.

“It definitely took a lot of pressure off of us,” McCann said. “We wanted to come out hard, and get an early goal. That’s what we did. It definitely helps with the mentality of the rest of the game.”

The senior goaltender made two first-half saves on breakaways by Faith Lutheran (3-2-1, 0-1 Northwest League).

“We played how we wanted to, and kept it solid defensively,” McCann said. “It’s always good to start out the season at home with a shutout.”

In the 64th minute, Alexander Shackley nudged the ball to Julian Portugal, who easily slotted the ball past Faith Lutheran goalkeeper Murad Ahmed from inside the penalty box.

Ahmed allowed a season-high in goals, having only given up four during the Crusaders’ first five matches. The senior keeper already has two shutouts.

“For us to get three on him says a lot,” Panthers coach Kevin Hagood said. “He’s a force back there. Teams are going to have a tough time with him.”

Hagood said earning three points at home was important for the Panthers, who play four of the next seven matches away, including trips to Legacy and Centennial.

“We’re battling for every point right now, because when you go through what we call ‘the gauntlet’ at the end, it’s going to be a battle on every play and possession,” he said.

“It’s nice to finally get the season kicked off. It’s been a little while; the kids were getting antsy.”