September 26, 2009
PANTHERS DRAW AGAINST AMHERST

The boys’ varsity soccer team battled for eighty minutes against the Division I Comets (7-1-1), with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. Despite several good opportunities for the Panthers in the first half, the game was tied 0-0 at halftime. In the second half, sophomore Ryan Lutke sent senior Jimmy Zambo a great through ball, resulting in a one-on-one with the keeper that Zambo was able to finish. Unfortunately, the Comets would tie the game about ten minutes later. Junior goalkeeper Frank Sanabria made a great save on the initial shot by the Comets, but the rebound bounced right to an unmarked player who was able to find the back of the net. Each team had its chances to break the tie, but both defenses were up the task of keeping it tied 1-1.

September 28, 2009
PANTHERS WRANGLE THE LONGHORNS

The boys’ varsity soccer team dominated Lutheran West, scoring five goals in the first half of play. Senior Matt Bir scored two goals, both assisted by fellow senior Jimmy Zambo. In addition to his two assists, Zambo also scored on a beautiful header off of a corner kick taken by sophomore Vincent Faraji. Sophomore Taylor Millar also scored on a header, flicked on off of a pass from Miles Foisy. Sophomore David Elwer scored his team leading sixth goal on an absolute rocket shot off of a headed cross from senior Mike Haupt. Junior goalkeeper Frank Sanabria played the first half and was called on to make just two saves. Sophomore Taylor Robinson played the second half in goal for the Panthers, making two saves and surrendering the lone goal for the Longhorns. Seniors Patrick Avery, Luke Fenik, and Nick Smeraldi led the team in the second half and created some great opportunities for the Panthers. Unfortunately, despite several chances, the Panthers were unable to find the back of the net in the second half. The Panthers improved to 5-4-2 with the victory.

September 30, 2009
PANTHERS WIN MUDBOWL VS. GREEN WAVE

The boys’ varsity soccer team defeated Holy Name 1-0 in a game played on a field in horrendous shape. Senior Angelo Cataldo scored the lone goal for the Panthers, volleying the ball into the back of the net off of a free kick taken by Jimmy Zambo. Both teams struggled to put together an attack due to the condition of the field. The Panther defense, led by seniors Matt Bir, Mike Haupt, and Angelo Cataldo, and anchored by junior goalkeeper Frank Sanabria, earned its third shutout of the year.

October 3, 2009
PANTHERS DEFEAT COLUMBIA 2-1

The boys’ varsity soccer team improved to 7-4-2 with a 2-1 victory over Columbia High School. The Panthers found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime after a Columbia shot hit the crossbar and was then put in on a header. Although EC outshot Columbia 10-2 in the first half, the Panthers had nothing to show for their effort. Midway through the second half, senior Angelo Cataldo tied things up when he converted on a header off of a Ryan Lutke free kick. Senior Jimmy Zambo was able to break the tie with just over seven minutes remaining when he also scored on a header off of a Ryan Lutke corner kick. The Panthers played most of the game in the Raiders half of the field, but struggled to find the back of the net. Junior goalkeeper Frank Sanabria had the play of the game when he saved a penalty kick with the Panthers trailing 1-0. The momentum quickly shifted after the save, and the Panthers dominated the rest of the way.

Prep roundup: Zambo's hat trick lifts EC