Early misses and mistakes cost the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys soccer team Tuesday.
The Panthers were aggressive in the beginning against 3A Telluride at Johnson Field and had some early scoring opportunities, but they couldnt connect.
The visiting Miners capitalized on M-CHS mistakes and scored twice off first-half penalty kicks as the Panthers were shutout, 6-0.
We came out there like we werent ready to play, said first-year junior Andre Esquibel, who has two varsity goals this season. From the very first kickoff, they came out and just stomped us from there. We never picked it back up. They were just running all over us.
Keith Hills penalty kick sailed over the arms of Panthers sophomore goalkeeper Auston Hart to give the Miners (1-1) a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Stator Aplin scored on the left side off an assist from Riggs Franklin to double the score to 2-0. Later in the first half, Hart blocked Fischer Hazens inside-the-box penalty kick, but Hazen punched it in the net off the rebound. The demoralized Panthers (1-2) trailed 3-0 at halftime.
To start the second, M-CHS looked more energized attacking the Telluride frontline, but the Panthers couldnt completely break through the defense. Ian Mitchell, of the Miners, broke free in the 46th minute and scored a backbreaking solo shot to make the score 4-0.
Telluride freshman Henry Sosa added goals in the 68th and 75th minutes for the final outcome. Hazen assisted Sosas first netter.
I thought we played some good soccer. We controlled the ball pretty well. We passed the ball well, I thought, Miners coach Mick Hill said. We pretty much got everybody that was on the roster to play in the game. It gives some of the younger guys a chance to get some playing time, and gives some of our starters a rest. It was a good day.
It was a bad day for the Panthers, who were coming off an inspiring 4-1 win over Bayfield.
It was a pretty tough loss after our Bayfield game, M-CHS coach Dave Frame said. I think in Bayfield, we found out what were good at. I think in this game, we definitely saw what we need to be working on. I think it was an eye-opener for a lot of us. It was certainly an eye-opener for me.
The Panthers feel they are playing together as a team on the field. Focus is one of the main concerns that need to be addressed heading into the first 5A/4A Southwestern League road trip next week.
We just got to stay focused, Esquibel said. In practice, were doing everything that we need to. Were just not staying focused. If we go up there focused and ready to play, we should be fine.
M-CHS will play at Grand Junction Central and Montrose next Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m. and 11 a.m.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.