The Pirate’s perfect start to the 2021 season came to an end when the Platte County boys’ soccer team lost back-to-back games in the Panther Classic Tournament at Park Hill South High School.
The Pirates started the season off with 10 straight wins without allowing a single goal until they fell to Park Hill South and Olathe North on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5. Platte County bounced back in its final game of the tournament by taking down Turner, 9-1, on Oct. 7.
Platte County senior Calvin Forrester dribbles and gets chased down by Park Hill South junior Ronnie Powell in the Pirates first loss of the season when the Panthers defeated them 1-0 on Oct. 5.
“Earlier in the season, we had some easier games so this was the competition we have been looking for,” Platte County head soccer coach Ashlyn Brantley said. “We want to see where we are at and the things that we need to work on, so that was big in this tournament.”
The Pirates gave up their first goal of the season when Park Hill South’s Devin Crane found the back of the net in the 45th minute of the contest. Platte County’s offense was unable to respond and fell to the Panthers, 1-0.
“We had lows in our play where we came out and passed a lot and were possessing like we would want and then that would go away. In touchy situations, those teams were able to capitalize, and we weren’t,” Brantley said.
The Pirates were back at it the next day, but again they were unable to pull out the victory as they fell 1-0 to Olathe North. Following the two consecutive losses, Platte County responded with nine goals to defeat Turner by the mercy rule.
“We came out and had to be mentally focused, especially since we were physically tired from two games in two days this week. They came out strong and continued it throughout the game and that is what we have been talking about, being consistent and continuing that level of play all game and not in spurts,” Brantley said.