Panthers Repeat as LVLA Champions, Finish League Play Undefeated

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Las Vegas, NV</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The LVLA Championship took place Friday night at The Crossing Park. Two heavyweights went to war, in the Panthers and Faith Lutheran. The Panthers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, and they looked in sync. But Faith countered with a couple goals of their own, and it was momentarily tied at 2. That's when Palo Verde turned things up a notch and they scored a few goals during man up. Which helped them build their lead, and by the end of the first quarter it was 7-2 Panthers. They didn't let up in the second quarter either, and at halftime they led 10-3. Then in the second half the Panthers offense continued to click and they put 4 more goals on the scoreboard. Heading into final quarter, it was 14-3 and the Crusaders comeback needed to happen fast if it was going to happen. But the Panthers retained the ball a majority of time towards the end before eventually running the clock out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Final Score - Panthers 16 vs Faith Lutheran 4 </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Top Performers </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a000365781bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177125' first='Ricky' last='Jaimes'] helped the Panthers get out in front in the first quarter, scoring the first two goals of the game. He took advantage of a gap in the defense and fired in a nice bouncer that fooled the goalie. Jaimes then made it 2-0 after a well-timed cut. Later in the third quarter, he added his third goal of the night with another smart off-ball cut from X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a00036578226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177131' first='Alex' last='Connelly'] was quite successful at the X yesterday. He won a ton of the faceoffs, which helped the Panthers control the tempo and possess the ball. It was a huge factor in them building out their lead. And beyond his stats, he was competing with intensity until the last whistle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177129"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a00036578275"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177129' first='Slater' last='Salinas'] has been productive all year long for the Panthers. He picks his spots wisely and uses his power to put shots by the goalie. Last night was no different, as he capitalized on a man up opportunity in the first half. Unleashing a very deceptive bouncer. He then scored a pair of goals for the Panthers in 4th quarter. Finishing with a hat trick. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a000365782c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177128' first='Seth' last='Salinas'] got it done on offense during man up chances twice to help the Panthers get the win yesterday. He ripped a strong shot from the perimeter for his first goal of the game. He then found some space at the top and let it go with some heat behind it for his second goal. Overall, it was an efficient performance from the sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171379"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a0003657830a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='171379' first='Luke' last='Rava'] had his defenders working overtime trying to keep up with him in the LVLA Championship. He was seemingly always on the move and found one scoring opportunity after another. He scored his first goal of the game by reading the defense perfectly before hitting the gas pedal to get to the middle of the field and shooting. Rava got his second goal by dodging when the defense got a bit out position. In addition to his two goals, he hit [player_tooltip player_id='177125' first='Ricky' last='Jaimes'] on a cut for an assist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a00036578353"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177127' first='Mason' last='Robinson'] is a 2030 who is simply built different. He was able to make a significant impact against Faith Lutheran by utilizing his acceleration skills and accuracy. Scoring 3 goals. Two of which were back to back in the second half. One was a smooth shot from the wing, and the other was a slick bouncer that had eyes. His feel for the game and athleticism are next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a000365783a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177126' first='Tommy' last='Cannon'] buried a goal in the first quarter by getting open on the backside. He then launched a quality shot from the wing on man up not long after the third quarter started. Cannon tallied an assist as well when QB'ing things at X, delivering a pinpoint pass to [player_tooltip player_id='177129' first='Slater' last='Salinas'] who was cutting hard. Cannon found the back of the net once more, sniping a shot from the wing on man up. All in all, he was locked in and a key player for the Panthers throughout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["126566"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a00036578473"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='126566' first='Jose' last='Aragon'] made some notable saves in the LVLA Championship. He was seeing the ball well, and his defense was putting pressure on dodgers. He also got big when he needed to and found his middies when it was time to clear. It was great to see him chase down missed shots and strategically assist in ground ball situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176504"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a01093395cb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='176504' first='Jace' last='Mims'] kept his opponents uncomfortable by utilizing his burst, lateral quickness, and swift checks. He also got involved in ground ball situations and pushed the ball upfield when he secured the rock during clears. His skill and instincts allow him to consistently make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176505"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a01093395d12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='176505' first='Danny' last='Richards'] didn't give up ground easily in the Panthers' win. He matched feet well and applied pressure as needed to drive attackers off their path. He and his fellow defenders played a major role in forcing turnovers and limiting the Crusaders to just four goals. Richards' physicality and positioning were evident throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177140"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a01093395d5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='177140' first='Nick' last='Lakhdari'] was a key defender and ran right by opponents often during clears. Although they did their best to slow him down, he still maneuvered his way through. He also had an assist, as he was able to draw the attention of the defense on a fast break before dishing it to [player_tooltip player_id='177126' first='Tommy' last='Cannon'] for a goal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->