Panthers Stage Second-Half Comeback to Defeat Durango 5-4

In a thrilling match on March 14, 2024, at the Panther soccer field in Farmington, New Mexico, the Piedra Vista Panthers overcame an early deficit to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory against the Durango Demons. The game showcased a remarkable second-half rally by the Panthers, who trailed 3-1 at halftime.

Early Struggles and Resilience

Both teams entered the match with high stakes, as they prepared for crucial upcoming district schedules. Durango (3-4 overall, 1-2 in the 5A/4A Southwestern) initially took control, with junior Miles Daley scoring the opening goal. He capitalized on an opportunity close to the net, launching the ball high into the goal, leaving goalkeeper Dylan Duncan with no chance to respond. Soon after, senior Jonas Hughes assisted sophomore Connor Allen, extending Durango’s lead to 2-0.

Piedra Vista (5-2) struggled with their new formation during the first half, allowing Durango to maintain possession and control the pace of the game. Matt Cramer, the Panthers’ head coach, noted that a challenging practice the day before led to their rocky start. Despite missing several scoring opportunities, junior Kai Lambson remained determined.

Durango took advantage of defensive errors, with senior Eli Marshall scoring a third goal just before halftime, resulting in a 3-1 lead for the Demons. Cramer recognized the need for adjustment and reverted to the team’s traditional formation for the second half.

Second-Half Surge

The change proved effective as the Panthers regained their momentum. After a back-and-forth battle, both teams added to the scoreboard, pushing the score to 4-2. Lambson, who had been a source of energy, finally broke through, scoring his first goal of the night. He quickly followed this with another goal, tying the match at 4-4 with just under 15 minutes remaining.

“He’s definitely one of our impact players and we lit a fire under him at halftime,” Cramer said, praising Lambson’s ability to create critical scoring opportunities.

From that moment on, Durango struggled with defensive positioning, leading to more scoring chances for Piedra Vista. In the final moments of the match, Lambson capitalized on a scramble in front of the goal, heading in his third goal and sealing the Panthers’ victory.

Reflections on the Match

Despite the loss, Durango head coach Sean Ackerman acknowledged the growth in his team’s performance. He attributed the defeat to mental errors but expressed pride in his players for continuing to fight. “A couple of games ago, we didn’t have the fight in us. But these last two games showed that we do,” he stated.

This loss marks Durango’s third consecutive defeat, following setbacks against Fruita Monument and Grand Junction. They are scheduled to host Grand Junction Central on March 15, 2024, at 18:00. Meanwhile, Piedra Vista looks to build on their momentum, with upcoming matches against Bayfield on March 16 at 13:00 and Bloomfield on March 18 at 18:00. The Panthers will also begin their District 1-5A schedule with an away game against Volcano Vista on March 20.

The match not only showcased the competitive spirit of high school soccer but also highlighted the resilience and determination of both teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead.