LAKE WACCAMAW – Tar Heel’s Panthers completed a perfect undefeated season and won the Waccamaw Middle School Conference Class ‘AA’ boys soccer championship Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over East Columbus.
Jonathan Ortiz slammed in a penalty kick midway the 2nd half for the only goal of the game. Dylan Hernandez recorded his 8th shutout in goal for the Panthers and had 1 save.
“We controlled possession of the ball for 95 percent of the game and had numerous shots on goal,” said Tar Heel Coach Brett Jackson. “We just didn’t find the back of the net as much as we have liked to.”
Jackson continued, “We have had the best soccer season I have ever been a part of. Eight games, 8 consecutive wins, 8 consecutive shutouts and a conference championship. It’s not every day a coach can say that. This has been a truly special team offensively and defensively.”
The Panthers scored 24 goals in their 8 games, while recording 8 shutouts. “Offensively my guys played extremely well all season,” noted Jackson. “The scoring was well spread out amongst the forwards and midfielders, and I even had a defender score a goal.
“We had some of the best defensive play I’ve seen at his level of soccer,” stated Jackson. “We controlled the ball extremely well on our half of the field and allowed very few decent shot attempts on goal which were handled with ease by our keeper.”
Jackson concluded, “ I am extremely proud of each and every one of my guys and couldn’t be any happier with this season. I am excited to see all of my 8th graders move on and play at the high school level and ready to continue what we started this year with my 6th and 7th graders. Just know that your coach, team, school and community are extremely proud of you.”
About Author
