WE'RE # 1

After a rain soaked weekend THE PANTHERS win the championship game by a score of 2-1 in "sudden death" over South Doyle!! Way to go!

PANTHERS LOSE AT CHEROKEE WITH A SCORE OF 4-1

Quinton pressures to gain the ball against a Cherokee defender.

The trip to Kingston on April 20th proved to be disappointing for the Pitch Panthers. With the blow of the starting whistle the visiting squad came out and played very good fundamental soccer. Many good passes and crosses were exhibited, however no rattle of the net came for the Panthers until the 2nd half. All three coaches for the LCMS team felt as if the team played well they just couldn't hit the back of the net when given the opportunities. The lone goal scored came from 6th grader Gerardo Zavala when Fredi Zavala split the defense with an on the mark pass. There were a couple of serious break downs in the Panther defense which led to 2 of the Cherokee goals. Another came from a PK when defender Jose "Daisy" Flores had a hand ball in the box.

There were many bright spots in the game with the teamwork shown by everyone. The midfielders are showing that they can handle having to play the whole game due to lack of subs. The defense is working more as unit with every outing. Success will come with more hard work at practice and the fact that this team is very open to constructive coaching.

The next outing for the varsity Panthers will be against Bearden's best on Thursday, April 23rd.

Mason, Fredi and Orlando work together as a unit to attack.

Captain Fredi Zavala slide tackles trying to get Cherokee to give up the ball.

PANTHERS WIN EASILY OVER FT. LOUDON IN SCRIMMAGE

On Tuesday, March 23rd the Middle School Panthers took on Ft. Loudon Middle in a scrimmage. Going into the friendly match the coaches felt like this would be a great measuring tool to see how the young Panther squad had improved since their last outing before Spring Break when they took on the private school Berean. Coaches Brumley and Martin were very happy with the outcome of 4 - 0. Even though the Ft. Loudon team was physically much bigger than LCMS, they were no match for the quick footed Panther club. Ft. Loudon only had four good attacks at goal which was quickly taken away by the Panther defense. Both goalies, Zavala and Medina, were swift in coming out and taking charge of the penalty box.

The defense, led by sweeper Mason Ballinger had improved tremendously. This was also due to the fact that 6th grader Marcos Serrato was moved to stopper. He handled the move very well and has found his new home with the Panther squad.

All 4 goals came from four different players; Marco Mejia, Brandon Martinez, Orlando Mendez and Martin Castro. Mejia also had the assist on Mendez's goal. The next outing will be with Sweetwater on Thursday, March 26th at Lenoir City High School.

Marco, Marcos and Austin putting pressure on the ball.

Brandon scores a GOOOAAALLL!!

Jose Medina scooping up the ball.

Orlando taking on many Redskins to try to score, while Quinton and Brandon make runs to help.

Way to spread that field boys!

Jamboree Photos

Sam taking charge of the midfield.

Orlando and Quinton supporting each other.

Martin being aggressive and "tricky"!?!

Jose keeping the goal safe.

Getting ready for a corner kick!

GOOOAALLLL!

Gerardo "juking" the opponent.

Relaxing between games!

Fredi getting rid of the ball after his save!

Edgar and Brandon putting on the pressure!

Daisy taking on BIG challenges?!?

Coach Martin taking a rest.

Quinton and Austin have some quality time together.

LCMS SOCCER PANTHERS PRE-SEASON OUTING PROVIDES BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR FUTURE!

Jesus Estrada and Sergio Tinoco on the attack!

The Soccer Panthers traveled to Cleveland on Saturday, March 7th to try out their new skills. After the day long jamboree they came home with 3 wins and 1 tie. This season there are a whole slew of new faces to the program. This team has only 4 returning players from last year but that did not discourage the inexperienced squad. Great defense, led by Mason Ballinger, made it impossible for any of their opponents to get a clean shot on goal. Both goalies, Jose Medina and Fredi Zavala, made saves when needed and kept the the ball out of the Panthers goal all day.

Mason Ballinger and Marcos Serrato working together to keep the ball pushed up the field.

The day's events brought many smiles to the coaches and players faces. The Pitch Panthers began a little slow with timid play from the players. As the day wore on though all players began to relax and really get the feel of their teammates and the game. At the end of the windy day during the last game the Panthers exhibited skills learned and played their best match of the day beating Cleveland Middle by a score of 4-1.

Coaches Brumley and Martin were very excited by the hustle of the team and also noted for an inexperienced squad and the fact that four 6th graders either started or got a lot of minutes on the field that there is a lot to look forward to this season. The next outing will be a scrimmage with Berean Christian School of Knoxville.