Coming off a heartbreaking defeat to Pratt, the Neosho County Panthers faced no reprieve as they fell to No. 2 Johnson County at home, 2-nil, on Wednesday evening in KJCCC women’s soccer action.
Despite the loss, the Panthers showed an uptick in its trajectory — when Neosho County faced the reigning national champions in Northwest Mississippi earlier this year, it fell, 8-nil. The Panthers’ 2-nil defeat to the reigning national runners-up was a step in the right direction.
“I was really proud of the girls. Really happy,” Neosho County head coach Sam Hall said. “They really battled for 90 minutes. That’s exactly what we’ve been looking for the whole season. We didn’t stop trying to do the things we’re good at. The intention was there to do the right thing the whole time against the No. 2 team in the nation.”
After a late-game gaffe allowed a concession last Saturday, Neosho County keeper Evie Kane was nearly flawless on Wednesday.
Johnson County’s first goal was a perfectly struck penalty kick that hit the post just past Kane’s outstretched arms. The second concession was off a rebound to an unmarked striker.
“That’s one hell of a reaction, that’s for sure,” Hall said. “After the last time, I told her my thoughts on her position. I knew she could give more. She’s got a personality where she can respond to something like that and that really showed today.”
Neosho County’s defense was fairly pristine against undefeated Johnson County, which had scored three-or-more goals in five of its eight victories and only conceded one goal all year.
The Panthers’ attack, however, drew just a few opportunities to score.
“They know what they have to do,” Hall said. “If we do the right things in the first and second third, the final third will take care of themselves. We have to get the ball in the right positions.”
Johnson County improved to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in KJCCC play. Neosho County dropped to 1-5-1 and 0-2-1, respectively.
Up next
Neosho County heads to Southeast in Nebraska on Saturday hoping to snap a three-match losing streak.
“It can be difficult for us. We don’t take any team lightly,” Hall said. “Southeast isn’t the No. 2 team in the nation. Is it going to be an easier game? On paper, yes. But not really. Southeast is going to come out and want to win just like every team does against us. We have to show up and play for 90 minutes. If we match the intensity we showed today, we’ll have no problems.”
