Boys Soccer (2023-2024)
Sanchez Bidot’s Penalty Goal & Panthers Defense Propels Them Over Oilers
January 18, 2024—On a cold and windy night on the campus of Richmond High School, the Varsity Boys Soccer team took on the Richmond High Oilers in the latest chapter of this fierce rival between these two teams.
The match did not disappoint in terms of high intensity and stingy defense as both the Panthers and Oilers made life difficult for each other in regards to generating offense and scoring chances. However, late in the second half with both teams tied at 0-0, the Oilers had a prime scoring opportunity that was turned away by a terrific save by Sophomore Goalkeeper, Nathan Peeler, who had fantastic game in net for the Panthers. Moments later, the Panthers earned themselves a penalty kick following foul committed by the Oiler defender, giving Junior, Fabian Sanchez Bidot, to cash in on the opportunity, giving the Panthers the 1-0.
The Oilers were desperate to even the matchup following Sanchez Bidot’s goal. In fact, they would find the back of the net on a set piece to even the score 1-1. However, the goal would be disallowed due to an offsides call, preserving the Panthers 1-0 lead. Following that Oiler opportunity, the Panthers defense would tighten up and eventually give the Panthers the 1-0 victory.
Sophomore, Tim Hamp, also had a great game defensively as he made life difficult for the Oiler forwards when they entered in the Panthers zone.
The Panthers will now enjoy the weekend before returning to action next Tuesday, January 23rd, when they play host against the Vallejo High RedHawks for the team’s Senior Day game. The match is set for 3:30pm.
Panthers & Oilers Match Ends in 0-0 Tie
December 14, 2023 – On a windy Thursday afternoon at Brady Park, the Panthers hosted the Richmond High Oilers in what was a highly-anticipated matchup given last year’s Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) Championship thriller between the two teams where the Panthers dethroned the Oilers in a 1-0 victory to claim the TCAL crown.
In this first 2023-2024 installment between the Panthers and Oilers, it showcased a hard-fought battle where there was plenty of defense, but little offense. In the first half, both teams had difficulty moving the ball in the opponent’s half of the field, making life easy for both goalkeepers as they faced minimal scoring chances. With that, the game headed into half time tied 0-0.
However, the second half featured a little more excitement with both teams generating shots on goal more frequently than they did in the first half. However, thanks to stellar defense, nothing came of them. The Panthers had a couple of close scoring opportunities, but Richmond’s goalkeeper stood strong. Conversely, Sophomore, Nathan Peeler, would return the favor as the Panthers’ goalkeeper made a couple of nice diving deflections. The play of the game, however, came from Senior, Joaquin Brownlow, who late in the second half was somehow able to get his head in front of a ball headed for a vacated goal to keep the game scoreless, ultimately ending the game in 0-0 tie.
Saint Mary's will now hit the road when they travel to Salesian next Monday where they will look for their first win of the season. Game time is set for 3:30pm.
Panther Showdown vs. Cougars Ends in 1-1 Draw
December 7, 2023 – It was a cold afternoon at Brady Park where the Panthers hosted their crosstown rival, the Albany High Cougars, for not only their second home match, but also their first league match of the year. Both teams showed tremendous energy in what would prove to be a defensive battle. Neither team generated many opportunities to score until late in the first half. In fact, with five minutes left in the half, the Panthers would strick first, courtesy of a penalty kick perfectly placed into the bottom right corner of the goal by Sophomore Tim Hamp, giving the Panthers 1-0 lead going in halftime.
The second half was much like the first, only this time it was Albany scoring midway through the half on a high-flying kick just out of the reach of Sophomore goalie, Nathan Peeler, who otherwise played a stellar game. In fact, Peeler would make a very critical save in stoppage time to preserve the 1-1 tie.
The Panthers will look for their first win of the season when they host the Jesse Bethel High Jaguars on Monday, December 11. The game will start at 3:30pm.