Maumee girls play to scoreless draw with Perkins to open season

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

MIRROR SPORTS

Maumee and Sandusky Perkins entered last Friday’s game at Kazmaier Stadium as two of the better girls soccer programs in the Northwest District.

The matchup lived up to the hype as the teams battled back and forth in a 0-0 draw to open the season.

“Points are points against a team that has double digits wins constantly season after season,” Panthers coach Jeremiah McNutt said. “This was game one of the sixteen to get us ready for another long tournament run.

A quote I borrowed from Manchester City is what we are working for — ‘No Lady Panthers soccer team has ever won three straight district titles … YET.’ We need to be ready for the tournament.”

McNutt said the shutout was a complete team effort, led by two strong backs in seniors Charley Bischoff and Jaiden Kovar.

“Their leadership and strong play allow for everyone else to be able to play with less stress,” he said.

The Panthers also have returning goalkeeper Lauren Liwo, who McNutt said is “technically gifted with feet and hands.”

He also pointed out outside back Kendall O’Shea, defensive mid Jessi Mruk and outside back JayCee Blue.

Friday’s game was the first chance the Panthers program had to play a special Friday Night Lights game.

“Getting to play a 7 p.m. game on a Friday is a great experience that these girls have earned over the last two seasons,” McNutt said.

Photos courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com