Panther Cup Brings Out the Best: Paint Branch Welcomes Local Schools to 2nd Year Event

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 16:10:00 GMT

By Joon Lee and Monique Robinson

On September 10, 2005, the Paint Branch Varsity Soccer Team welcomed the varsity soccer teams from Gaithersburg High School, Damascus High School, and Watkins Mill High School to the Second Annual Panther Cup Soccer Tournament. During the tournament the Panthers played two hard-fought games against Damascus and Gaithersburg, finishing the tournament with one win and one loss. The first game held placed Paint Branch against Damascus. While both teams were aiming to score the first goal of the game, it was Damascus Senior Brandon Nicholson who finally broke through to make the score 1-0, Hornets. Five minutes later, the Panthers responded with its first goal of the game. Ten exciting, action-filled minutes passed until Paint Branch and Damascus each scored another goal, resulting in the final score of 2-2 at the end of regulation. The players from each school demonstrated strong skills throughout the game, and anticipation increased as the game went into overtime. Early-season fatigue began to set in, and it showed as playing speed was decreased on both sides. Penalties, however, mounted as both Paint Branch and Damascus received yellow cards and red cards for aggressive play. In a slipshod overtime session, it was Damascus that scored the tie-breaking goal and took the win. The second game placed Paint Branch against Gaithersburg. The fatigue of the players, due to a whole day of playing soccer, was visible. Paint Branch’s, Jung Woo, assisted by Moses Anderson, made the first goal of the game, which motivated and revitalized the Panthers’ spirits. Two minutes following the first goal, Paint Branch’s Justin Bean made the second goal, keeping the Panthers in the lead, 2-0. Gaithersburg responded strongly with two goals, resulting in a tie. Paint Branch, towards the end of the game scored the final goal, defeating Gaithersburg 3-2.