Though they came up just short, the Panthers have nothing to hang their heads about after a standout performance in the boys’ soccer state championship in Lexington on Saturday night.
Daviess County was largely able to fend off Henry Clay — the No. 1 team in Kentucky — but the Blue Raiders found just enough offense in the second half for a 2-0 victory.
The Panthers executed their game plan to perfection — keep the game manageable and leave themselves a chance to sneak out with a late victory.
————————
For more photos from the game, click here.
————————
While they were never able to get a solid look at a goal, the Panther defense stood tall over and over throughout the night. Henry Clay didn’t break through until the 52nd minute, when Cayden Rose curled in a shot directly off a corner kick.
The Blue Devils added a goal in the 78th minute. With DC pressing up and trying to knock in the equalizer, Henry Clay’s Tahj Jairam was able to get behind the defense for an easy breakaway goal.
“Our game plan was to try and be either tied or within a goal in the last 15 minutes and that’s exactly what we were,” said Panthers head coach Doug Sandifer. “We were down a goal at the 15-minute mark and we felt like we had to adjust our formation to try and get the goal back. The second goal to me doesn’t matter. Whether we lose 1-0 or 5-0, we had to get that goal back.”
The Panthers only managed three shots with two on goal, while the Blue Devils put eight of their 17 shots on frame.
DC goalkeeper Cody Clark finished with six saves, including a couple of diving blocks that kept his sheet clean for most of the night.
Sandifer said he wasn’t disappointed in any way with the loss, and he still considers his team winners in their own right. On top of fielding a roster loaded with inexperience, the Panthers faced adversity throughout the season.
“Henry Clay scored more goals than we did tonight but these kids are champions in my book,” he said. “To get here and play in this game with what we are this year and the injuries we’ve suffered and are still suffering through and to be so young all over the field it’s really remarkable what they were able to pull off.”
Stay up to date on all your local sports coverage by following @OwensboroSports on Twitter and by liking us on Facebook.
__________
2019 soccer coverage is presented by Worth Insurance Group.
