Oct 14, 2022

Panther soccer comes up just short in home finale

Posted Oct 14, 2022 2:35 AM
Panther junior Gus Alvarado scored the lone Great Bend goal in a 2-1 loss to Junction City in Thursday's home finale.
Panther junior Gus Alvarado scored the lone Great Bend goal in a 2-1 loss to Junction City in Thursday's home finale.

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

Great Bend High School soccer coach Chuy Loera had an idea Thursday's home finale against Junction City would be competitive. He was right. The junior varsity team picked up its first win of the season, but the varsity squad came up just short 2-1, with all three goals scored in the first half.

Loera was hopeful for a 51st career win at GBHS to move into the all-time career wins spot as head coach. Freshman Alex Alcala nearly pushed him in that direction just four minutes in but pushed a difficult header wide of goal. Three minutes later, junior Gus Alvarado used several moves to set up a shot sent directly to the Bluejay keeper.

A chilly crosswind affect both teams equally. On the other end, the Panther defense appeared to have a clearance, but a rebound found the foot of a Junction City player who beat junior Mario Enriquez in goal for a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute of action.

Panther junior Alex Galindo nearly found an equalizer in the 24th minute but put a hard shot directly at the keeper. Two minutes later, Great Bend utilized teamwork with junior Pedro Enriquez working the ball from the defensive end to Galindo near midfield. Galindo found freshman Alex Alonzo, who worked the ball back into the box where Alvarado scored the equalizer with 14:21 to play in the opening half. 

The teams played virtually even from there, though Enriquez did keep the Jays out of the goal on two saves in short succession. With just 6:37 to play in the first half, Junction City was finally able to lift one by Enriquez for what proved to be the game winner.

The Panthers travel to Liberal Tuesday for a rare double-dip after the season-opener against the Redskins was rained out. Great Bend travels to McPherson on Thursday.