The Permian boys soccer team came to work early in its 3-2 victory against San Angelo Central Tuesday at Ratliff Stadium.
A fast start on the attacking end helped the Panthers close out a three-match losing streak, and find a much-needed confidence boost.
“Overall, I think we played pretty well when we moved the ball,” Permian coach Luis Carmona said. “We got the win, the guys have been hungry for the win and hopefully this gets us rolling.”
The Panthers got the scoring started four minutes into the first half.
A low cross from Adrian Martinez was pushed into the top left corner of the San Angelo Central by Damian Gonzales to gain the early advantage.
That score lasted only four minutes, as Amari Everage had a free kick and he took a direct shot on goal.
He kept the ball low and saw it roll past the left hand of the Bobcats’ goalkeeper, putting Permian up by two goals eight minutes into the match.
Both defenses stepped up through the rest of the period, with the Panthers creating the most dangerous opportunity.
Marcus Aguirre weaved past three San Angelo Central defenders and sent in a shot in front of goal, but it was blocked by Jacob Little to keep the Panthers from increasing their advantage with 13 minutes left in the first half.
The Bobcats couldn’t get any clear shots on goal, as the Panthers regrouped quickly to hold off counterattacks.
Although San Angelo Central couldn’t maintain ball possession for too long to start the second half, the Bobcats still got their chance to narrow the deficit.
A direct free kick from Ashton Tapia was floated toward the opposing crossbar and found its way over the Permian goalkeeper, putting San Angelo Central on the board for the first time less than five minutes into the second half.
Both teams would maintain a fight for possession until Permian’s Jacob Franco controlled a long pass and sent a tough shot into the Bobcats’ goal with 19 minutes left.
Even though the Bobcats got close when Michael Chapa headed a loose ball into the Permian goal, the Panthers still held on to secure the victory.
Carmona said his team was aided by multiple players working to control the tempo of the game, starting with his holding midfielders and outside defenders.
“I think everybody contributed well that got in,” Carmona said. “We’ve just got to minimize our mistakes; we turned into traffic at times instead of playing the simple ball.
“It’s part of the game and we’ve just got to get better from it.”
The Panthers (4-8 overall, 2-3 District 2-6A) look to build on their victory when they face Midland Legacy at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.
>> Follow Chris Amaya on Twitter at @OA_CAmaya
