Panther girls fall to Cody

Posted 3/25/21

Powell High School’s first match in Park County since 2019 didn’t go as planned.  

The Panthers dropped a road contest against Cody 8-0, bringing the team’s record to 0-2. …

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Panther girls fall to Cody

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Powell High School’s first match in Park County since 2019 didn’t go as planned. 

The Panthers dropped a road contest against Cody 8-0, bringing the team’s record to 0-2. The Fillies scored four goals in the first 10 minutes, putting PHS in an early hole. 

“The combination of Cody’s physicality and finesse kept us having to retreat often and play an excessive amount of defense during the game,” head coach Kaitlin Loeffen said. “When you have a formation that can be either offensive or defensive, it is tough to make that transition when you are forced to help defend because of a strong attacking team.”

Trailing 7-0 at halftime, Powell did a better job of containing Cody’s proficient attack in the second half. The Broncs added only one score to their early lead, making the final difference eight goals.

Senior goalkeeper Mattie Larsen excelled in the loss, notching almost 30 saves. 

“I truly feel we have one of the best goalkeepers in the state and the game [with] Cody attests to that,” Loeffen said of Larsen. “Nearly saving 30 strong shots is not something many can do. She is a leader and will continue to work hard regardless of the outcomes.”

Off the bench, Paije Johnson was another player who impressed Loeffen in the defeat. The senior and first-year soccer player created a “swift change in the defensive line,” the coach said.

“I look forward to giving her more varsity time as I feel her skills will develop and she can build on the speed and physicality she already possesses,” Loeffen said.

Though Larsen and Johnson showed prowess in attempting to stop Cody’s attack, Loeffen stressed the need to tighten up defensively.

“We will continue to preach containment and tackling when there is help from behind,” she said. “Communication is key and I feel that paid off in the second half. I have no doubt the defensive line will continue to improve with turf experience.”

Though both of Powell’s losses to start the year were rather lopsided, Loeffen and the girls are staying positive. The coach is convinced her team will continue to develop as the season progresses, and that’s the key message she’s preaching to her athletes.

“Starting the season off with two losses is never what one would hope for, but the girls understand we can’t build a program overnight,” Loeffen said. “Having last year off has certainly set us back, but there is nearly the entire season in front of us. I will continue to expect the girls to put in the work, trust the process, and they will improve. They will get there!”

Powell High School, Panther Soccer

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