Win at Anamosa is early highlight

     The clear highlight of a flurry of early-season matches for the Monticello High School boys soccer team was a 2-0 win at Anamosa April 1.

     It was part of a stretch of five matches in seven days, during which the Panthers went 2-3.

     At Anamosa, Juan Perez scored on a penalty kick after a trip in the penalty area just 4:35 into the match, giving Monticello an early 1-0 lead.

     Panther defenders and goalkeeper Alex Fagan fought off a series of attacks by the Blue Raiders to preserve the lead. Twice, Fagan prevented goals by deflecting high shots over the crossbar. In all, Fagan made 12 saves.

     Then, late in the second half, Tony Wallerich got the ball in the Anamosa penalty area, moved to his right, and fired a low shot that found the lower left corner of the net. The goal, with 2:23 to play, largely clinched the win.

     Monticello had mixed results in its other matches. The Panthers opened the season at the Solon tournament March 30, and won one of three games, losing 2-0 to Bellevue Marquette and 3-2 to Mediapolis; and beating Cedar Valley Christian 6-0.

     The Panthers were held to six shots in the Marquette game, including three on goal. Chase Luensman and Wallerich scored the Panther goals against Mediapolis. Fagan made seven saves in goal.

     Wallerich scored three times in the CVC match, while Cade Folken, Ethan Martensen and Jaison Monk also scored. Kurt Stadtmueller had an assist. The Panthers took 19 shots in the match, with nine of them on goal. Fagan made nine saves to secure the shutout.