Panthers have encouraging start to season

DREW SCHWEIGER, Plymouth goalkeeper, makes a diving save in Thursday night’s soccer match against Grafton. An unidentifi ed PHS teammate looks on. – Photo by Kristin Strehlow GRAFTON – Despite losing, 1-0, to host Grafton Thursday night, Plymouth head boys soccer coach Rommy Herrera was very encouraged with his team’s seasonopening performance.

“The game against Grafton was a great way to start our season. They are a strong and competitive team,” said Herrera.

“For many of our players it was the first time playing at the varsity level and today they understood the difference between junior varsity soccer and varsity soccer.”

Brendan Larsen scored the winning goal 30 minutes into the first half. The nonconference win upped the Black Hawks’ record to 2-0.

Grafton led 10-4 in shots on goal. PHS goalkeeper Drew Schweiger made five saves and Black Hawk goalie Jeffrey Frankard re- corded four.

“We had a difficult time possessing the ball. Grafton was in possession of the ball for most of the game but we were able to defend well and avoid their strong and fast players to score,” Herrera said.

“I am very proud of how we played today. We know we have to work in many aspects of our game in order to be able to compete and defeat teams like this one during the season but it is early and I know the team will be ready very soon.”

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