In a game that could have gone either way, things did not end well for the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys soccer team.
Even so, the Panthers’ 3-2 loss to Crested Butte at home on Aug. 6 left little doubt as to the Panthers’ ability to compete with their league’s best teams.
Helping the Panthers get off to a solid start were senior Eddie Martinez and sophomore Manual Martinez, who each scored goals in the first half.
Eddie Martinez’s goal was his first of the year, while Manual Martinez’s goal was his sixth on the season.
Leading 2-1 to start the second half, M-CHS worked hard to push the action before allowing Crested Butte to tie the game, 2-2.
Thanks to solid defense by both sides, the score remained at the end of regulation, forcing the teams to play two 10-minute sudden death overtimes.
Late in the second overtime, Crested Butte scored to secure a 3-2 victory.
Despite the close loss however, Panthers players expressed satisfaction with their performance.
“We played really good,” said Panthers senior Bridger Brenner. “(Crested Butte) is the number one team in our league.”
According to Brenner, the Panthers can still improve however, especially on defense.
“Our communication in the back four can improve,” said Brenner. “All three of the goals they scored, our defense shut down and we didn’t communicate.”
With their record now at 3-2-0 on the year, the Panthers will next play at home against Pagosa Springs on Sept. 9. The game will begin at 5 p.m.