EAGLES TAKE WIN OVER PANTHERS

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By Regina Shiroma

Panther’s Anthony Sorto prepares to take a shot while Harvest’s Cain Takasu challenges the attempt. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Harvest Christian Academy Eagles slipped by the Guam High Panthers 3-2 at the Panthers’ home field Thursday afternoon.

The Eagles utilized their passing game to get around the Panthers’ defense, stringing them together, quickly moving the ball around and up the field. Eagles’ striker Edwin Wong contributed two goals in the win, both of them coming in the first half.

“…Everyone was working well together, passing a good shed, and that created opportunities for us,” said Wong about his team’s performance.

The McDonald’s Player of the Game: Eagles’ striker, Edwin Wong. 2 goals

Wong’s second goal came midway through the first, as he took it in himself, getting past two Panther defenders along the way. From about ten yards out, Wong knocked in the tiebreaking goal, shooting it wide left with his outside foot, just out of Guam High keeper, Dante Banes’ reach.

Leading at the half, 2-1, the Eagles entered the second period with the same intensity, and so did the Panthers. Both teams began to constantly take shots at the goal, pestering each other’s goalkeeper.

The Eagles then extended their lead when Isaiah Lagutang scored off a free kick into the upper right corner of the goal.

Harvest’s Edwin Wong runs the ball up field while Panther’s Jake Harrold prepares to defend. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Shortly after, the Panthers were up for another shot at the goal when an off sides penalty was called. Unhappy at what they thought was an unfair call, two Guam High defenders were red carded and were sent out of the game. Fueled by these events, the Panthers began to attack the goal even more aggressively.

Their hustling and unwillingness to give up led to a goal in the 79th minute. Panthers defender Jerry Jones led the counterattack after Harvest’s attempt at the goal off a corner kick. Jones dribbled the ball out of the Panther goal box, beating numerous Eagles down the field, earning a throw-in in Eagle territory. Jones quickly threw the ball to teammate Anthony Sorto, who was only a few feet from the goal. Sorto then passed it to Aaron Whitaker, who blasted a solid shot past Eagles’ keeper Jae In Noh. However their momentum was cut short, as the final whistle was blown, signaling an Eagle victory.

The Eagles scored their first goal off penalty kick by Wong. The Panthers lone goal in the first half, came off a finish by Anthony Sorto, who found the back of the net off a missed penalty kick.

Taking home another win, the Eagles improve to 5-2-1 while the Panthers drop to 2-6.

“Just work hard, and just capitalize on our opportunities, and just leave it to God,” said Wong about the rest of the season.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Harvest’s Shashi Kotwal keeps the ball ahead of Panther’s defender Ryan Torres. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Harvest’s goalie Jae In Noh jumps to block an incoming shot. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Harvest’s goal keeper Jae In Noh defends against a penalty kick, but was unable to keep control of the ball allowing Panther’s Anthony Sorto to kick in a goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panther’s Klyde Castro heads the ball to teammate Chris Saunders. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Harvest’s Joseph Cho and Panther’s Joseph Mull fight for control of the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panther’s Ben Bloom chases down Harvest’s Joseph Cho. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Harvest’s Coach Bryce Pegram talks to his team during half-time. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panther’s coaching staff meet with their team during half-time. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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