A clinical finish by Andres Depaz followed by a
Yaw Danso stinger and capped by a
Ricky Seaman breakway goal is all the Panthers needed on the night to edge out conference rival Fontbonne College in Thursday nights non-conference/conference encounter in Elsah, IL. The game originally slated, as an away match was held at Principia due to Fontbonne's home facility being overbooked.
The Panthers were thirsting to put together 90 minutes of clean soccer. They started off steady until the 7th minute when a Fontbonne player took advantage of the miscommunication between center backs
Paul Sanderude and
Wes Fleming by slipping through for a breakaway but his attempt went wide. The wake up call was enough for the Panthers as they worked the ball diligently and found a free
Spencer Brown down the right flank. Brown muscled the defender before slipping in an inviting service to Seaman in the six yard box. Seaman was patient enough to make the extra pass to an unmarked Depaz who made no mistake with his first touch burying the ball past the keeper in the 13th minute of play. Depaz had a good game all evening and his srong play from the beginning of the season was rewarded with his timely strike that gave the Panthers some breathing room.
In the 39th minute Brown's forays down the right flank continued as he fought off two defenders and sent a service in the box that was met by a Fontbonne clearance right onto Danso's path. Danso took the opportunity unleashing a pile driver through traffic from 25 yards out to help seal the win for the Panthers.
Danso was again involved in the insurance goal in the 68th minute as he took the outlet ball from Sanderude's clearance off a corner kick and raced through the middle of the park before releasing Seaman in a 2v1 chance going to goal. The outcome was a matter of formality as Seaman had another clinical finish to increase his tally to six in this young season.
In his first start of the season,
Will Bisbee had a fantastic day as the holding midfielder thwarting numerous attacks by the Griffins. Other notables included
Jake Meier at the right back slot and
Garrett Bourcier who once again put on a display of a seasoned veteran at the left back. The win marks the first shutout for the Panthers defense led by
Samuel Thomas shot stopping display. The Panthers who are ranked 22nd in the nation and 3rd in the Central region polls face the #7 ranked team in the region in Washington University on Tuesday night at 8pm in Elsah.
