Panther soccer wins opener at Circleville

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CIRCLEVILLE — The Miami Trace Panthers soccer team began the 2017 season Saturday, Aug. 19 with a match at Circleville.

It was the fourth year in a row that the Panthers have opened the season at Circleville.

The Panthers were motivated by the thought that the winner of this game will probably be seeded ahead of the loser when the Sectional tournament draw is held.

Miami Trace got the season started in fine fashion with a 4-2 win.

The Panthers’ first goal of the season was scored off of a corner kick set piece, by senior Cameron Carter with 25:07 remaining in the half. Senior Brett Lewis delivered the ball off of the corner kick and Carter just elevated above the crowd to head the ball into the goal.

Miami Trace’s second goal came from senior Jaymon Flaugher with 18:46 remaining in the half. Lewis again picked up the assist when he crossed the ball to Flaugher. Flaugher found himself open and lofted a beautiful shot past the keeper from about 20 yards out.

Just as the Panthers were pulling away, Circleville’s Dylan Burns made a penalty kick, at 12:42, to keep the Tigers in the game.

Miami Trace junior August Langley slotted a pass through a crowd of players to an open Carter who scored his second goal with 9:08 left in the half.

Lewis opened the second half scoring 1:05 in when he fought through two Tigers at midfield, beat a defender, beat the keeper, and jumped a final sliding defender to tap the ball over the goal line. That put the Panthers in front, 4-1.

The Tigers scored with 26:43 remaining and the final score was 4-2.

Justin Shoemaker started in the goal and recorded eight saves.

“Despite allowing two goals, our defense was solid and really limited Circleville’s scoring opportunities,” Miami Trace head coach Josh Thoroman said.

The Panthers start seniors Captain Preston Huff, Captain Adam Ginn, and Matt Fender, and junior Drew Batson for the third season in a row.

The Panthers will be back in action at home Tuesday for the Frontier Athletic Conference opener with Chillicothe at 5 p.m.

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