Wolverines carve up Panthers in 8-0 soccer contest

Charles City's Noah Palmer (15) tries to get separation from Carver Academy's Santos Romero Vasquez.

Andre' Jones photo

In a battle of first year soccer programs, Charles City’s Panthers hosted visiting Carver Academy’s Wolverines. And with both teams being co-ed and scratching the surface at competitiveness at the high school level, on paper it seemed to be an even matchup. But matches aren’t played on paper.

Behind six goals from freshman Santos Romero Vasquez and two additional ones from classmate Hever Lopez-Milian, the visiting Wolverines disposed of the host Panthers 8-0 en route to a slaughter rule victory on Apr. 27.

After fifteen minutes of scoreless action, Vasquez found the back of the net at the 16-minute mark. Seven minutes later, he was able to sidestep Panther goalkeeper Michael Grubbs for a second goal. Vasquez added three more goals at the 26th, 28th, and 39th minute on his way to five scores in the first half to help Carver take a 5-0 lead into halftime.

Charles City attempted a couple shots in the second half, but was unable to become a threat to the visitors. Meanwhile, two goals by Lopez-Milian sandwiched a Vasquez goal to account for the final tally for the game.

After the contest, Panther head coach Grant Martin talked about the schedule and lack of bodies during the contest.

“Fatigue played a lot into this match,” he said, pointing to 12 dressed players. “Despite that, I thought we would have been more competitive in this match.

“This is a learning experience for them,” he continued. “I hope the team looks back at this and takes at least one thing from this game. To see mistakes such as illegal throw-ins and offsides at this point of the season is unacceptable.”

However, Martin added that his team can make a strong push in the upcoming games.

“We still have half a season to go,” he said. “We are going to continue to work hard and see where we can go from here.”

Charles City’s record falls to 1-7 on the year.