Panthers stay perfect with tough stretch ahead

Blake Wagener gets past Oak Harbor defenders. / Pride of the Panthers

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

IMA SPORTS

The Maumee boys soccer team has reached the late stages of the regular season with a clean sheet, ending last week with a sparkling 12-0 overall record.

Unlike some of the double-digit wins during the season, though, the schedule ramps up in difficulty with the Panthers eyeing another long playoff run.

The tough home stretch of the season started last week, with a 2-1 win over host Wauseon on Saturday.

In addition to that game, Maumee closes with games at Lake and Evergreen and home games against Fremont Ross, Central Catholic and Bowling Green. Those five teams have a combined record of 35-24-3, with Lake (11-1-1) and BG (10-2) both sitting with double digit wins.

“It’s nice to have some quality games at the end of the season,” Panthers coach Chad Kain said. “It definitely helps us prepare for a long tournament run.”

Noah Preciado had a goal and an assist, and Blake Wagener had a goal in the win over the Indians (9-3).

Freshman goalkeeper Jaxon Blue had five saves.

“The defense was great on Saturday,” Kain said. “They're learning to play under pressure and with tournament play coming, we need to get better.

“Jax is learning. He’s made some mistakes, but he’s learning from them and improving every game.”

Both Maumee and Lake are unbeaten in the Northern Buckeye Conference, at 5-0. They were scheduled to face off in the de facto conference title game on Wednesday in Millbury.

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com