Strong first half ignites PHS past Eagles

The Plymouth Panthers pounced on Sheboygan Christian for three goals in the first half to key a 3-0 boys soccer win Friday afternoon at Christian.

The nonconference victory raised the Panthers’ record to 6-1-1 overall. In EWC action Thursday afternoon, PHS rolled past host Campbellsport, 6-0.

“We came out and played at a high pace in the first half. I liked our intensity and we went to the ball hard,” said PHS head coach Bruce McMyler about his team’s first-half play against Christian.

PHS grabbed a 1-0 lead 13 minutes into the match on Ryan Klecka’s penalty kick after teammate Zach Fohr was fouled inside the penalty box.

Two minutes later, Robby Paese scored from only about 3 yards out on an assist from Max Gatyas.

Gatyas made it 3-0 with a goal off an indirect kick by Zach Schroeder with nine minutes left until halftime. Gatyas was able to kick the ball through a seam in the Eagles’ wall that had been formed for the free kick.

The Eagles tallied their goal on a header by Jorren DeMaster off a direct kick by a teammate midway through the final half.

“I’m glad we won the game but I wasn’t happy that we didn’t play two good halves. In the second half, we didn’t play with much enthusiasm and intensity,” McMyler observed.

The Panthers led in shots on goal, 8-3. PHS goalie Jon Hintz made two saves.

McMyler said back defenders Sam Zwick and Jacob Boening played well and tough against bigger opponents.

CAMPBELLSPORT GAME

Fohr had two goals and a pair of assists to lead the Panthers past the Cougars. Gatyas contributed a goal and two assists.

Also scoring for PHS were Josh Suchon and Schroeder with one goal apiece. An own goal by Campbellsport accounted for the other tally.

The Panthers, who improved to 3-0 in the EWC with three shutouts, held a commanding 10-2 lead in shots. PHS goalkeeper Mitch Miller had two saves.

“We picked up the pace in the second half. The pace was too slow in the first half,” said McMyler whose team scored four goals in the second half.

“Zach Fohr and Max Gatyas are very unselfish – looking to pass and shoot. They played very well. “I was very pleased with Ryan Klecka’s leadership and decision-making in the back [on defense]. He played very well,” the coach said.