Women's Soccer End of season banquet!

The Women's Soccer Program will have it's end-of-season banquet and awards ceremony on Sunday, June 3rd from 3-6pm.  The event will be held at Gold Park (for 3-4:30 for a fun scrimmage) and then at The Depot (4:30-6pm for food and awards).

The event will be a potluck.  Please fill out the following document below or return the orange slip with your soccer player so that we can get a head count.  Click here for the potluck spreadsheet!


If you need a form with directions, a map, or more details, please pick one up in Room 407.  Hope to see you there!

Senior Night video by News of Orange County!

Erin Wiltgen, News of Orange reporter, pieced together a video of the Orange High Soccer team's Senior Night with live game shots and interviews of Coach Hunter, Katie Bumgarner, and Mia Phillips!  It looks great--be sure to check it out.  Thanks so much, Erin!

Playoff game moved to Thursday, 5/10 at Northern Guilford

 Please come out and support the Panthers as they play Northern Guilford tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7pm!  The soccer field is on Simpson-Calhoun road.  Directions to the field are listed below.  Game time is at 7pm.  Come on out and support your team!

1.	Head west on Holman Dr toward N Carolina 86 S	0.1 mi
2.	Turn left onto N Carolina 86 S	0.2 mi
3.	Turn right onto US-70 W/Cornelius St Continue to follow US-70 W	2.6 mi
4.	Take the I-85 exit on the left toward I-40/N Carolina 86 S/Greensboro	0.3 mi
5.	Merge onto Interstate 85 Connector S/U.S. 70 Connector S	0.6 mi
6.	Take the ramp onto I-40 W/I-85 S	29.3 mi
7.	Slight right onto I-40 W/I-85 BUS S (signs for Interstate 85 BUSINESS S/U.S 70/Greensboro/Winston-Salem)	0.4 mi
8.	Take exit 227 toward US-70/US-29 N/US-220 N	0.6 mi
9.	Merge onto I-840 W	1.6 mi
10.	Take exit 19 to merge onto US-70 W/Burlington Rd toward Greensboro Continue to follow US-70 W	4.5 mi
11.	Continue onto Wendover Ave E	1.0 mi
12.	Turn right onto N Church St	7.0 mi
13.	Turn left onto Spencer-Dixon Rd	1.7 mi
14.	Turn left onto Simpson-Calhoun Rd	0.3 mi

Panthers close out regular season against Webb with 2-1 victory on Senior Night

Seniors from left: Phillips, Mangal, Smith, Hilliard & Bumgarner

By: Mia Phillips & Brittany Smith

On Thursday, May 3rd, the Panthers held back tears as they acknowledged five of their senior Lady Panthers who will soon be graduating. Only a win could send the ladies off into the playoffs with an eager mentality to do well.  The night started off with an emotional discussion of each individual senior, pointing out their many talents on and off the field and mentioning their future plans.

Senior captain Katie Bumgarner, #10

After the speech made for each senior, the seniors rejoined their team with their minds focused on the game. Clad in bandanas, all five seniors led as captains in the night's game and started on the field with Brittany Smith and Mia Phillips as strikers,  Tatiana Mangal and Brooke Hilliard as outside defenders, and Katie Bumgarner as a central midfielder. It was evident that all of the Lady Panthers were eager to bring home the win as they came out playing strong in the first ten minutes, continually champing at the bit by taking shots on frame. The first goal came about fifteen minutes into the first half as the Lady Panthers received a free kick near the other team's goal. Natalie Hartmond, a junior, stepped up and took a beautiful kick. After trapping the ball, Katie swiftly passed it off to Devon Allen, also a junior, who drilled the ball into the back of the net, landing the Panther's first goal. Celebration stuck across the field for the Panthers, but they quickly regained their composure, ready to defend their own goal.

Brooke Hilliard makes a pass out of the back

The team continued their two-touch style of soccer with speedy passes down the sides. The defense continually ran players down who had the slightest breakaway.  Madison Chandler, Orange's valiant goalie, made several strong saves by diving across the goal to capture shots. Towards the end, Mia Phillips received the ball mid-field and dribbled to goal, pulling several moves to fake out her opponents. As she approached the front of the goal, she placed the ball directly into the corner of the goal with a firm and powerful shot. Sliding out of the goalie's reach, the Panther's earned their second goal.

Hunter and Bowman

Thank you, Seniors!

At half time, the girls acknowledged that with a score of 2-0, this could very well still be anyone's game. The team devised a strategy to keep their defense strong by keeping everyone checking back to mark up the opposing team on kicks and throw-ins and communicating marks.  The team had multiple chances, with Katie Bumgarner hitting the crossbar and a few other shots going just wide of the frame.  With three minutes to play, the Seniors got subbed out, where they received a standing ovation and joined their team on the bench.  Unfortunately, with thirty seconds left, a Webb striker slipped through the midfield and notched Webb's only goal of the night.

The win secured a third-place seed for the Panthers in the 3A State playoffs next week.  The team will play Northern Guilford high school away on Wednesday, May 9th.  Game time is at 7pm.  We hope you'll join us to support the Panthers as they give it all they've got in the playoffs!

Team loses two in tough battles against first- and second-place conference opponents

Megan Joyner on a breakaway, controlling the dribble

As many of you have probably noticed, there's nothing this team prefers more than a good challenge.  And challenge was the theme of the beginning of last week, as the Panthers faced top-seeded conference opponents Chapel Hill and Cardinal Gibbons at home on Monday and Wednesday.

Senior Katie Bumgarner defends a Crusader

Playing Gibbons first on Monday, the team had the goal of holding the Crusaders to a smaller goal differential.  Winning balls out of the air was integral to this goal, and the team set to it right away.  High-pressure defense on their midfielders and forwards, but not their defenders, was a new style of play for the Panthers.  Allowing the Gibbons defenders to make decisions instead of pressuring them immediately bought the Panthers some time to redistribute their marks and make sure that each of them were covered.  Although unconventional, the plan seemed to work: the Panthers held the Crusaders to only 1 goal until the last 5 minutes of the first half.

Lexi Moyer, Player of the Game against Cardinal Gibbons

The teams went to halftime with Gibbons up 2-0.  With multiple new fans in the stands, including teachers and students, the Panthers fought hard on their home turf, closing out the game by never quitting, but with a final score of 6-0.  The Player of the Game goldfish bag was awarded to freshman Lexi Moyer (#1), a recent addition to the team from JV.  Moyer (shown left) hustled non-stop, pressured hard, and ran every ball down that she could.  At halftime, the team refined their gameplan and asked Moyer to play slightly differently than she'd ever been asked to before.  She quickly adapted to a different style of play and responded with ease.  Despite her small size, she battled for every ball that came near her.  Great game, Lexi.

The team had one practice Tuesday before facing Conference leader Chapel Hill, who had already tied and defeated Gibbons earlier in the season.  With the Chapel Hill Tigers known for being a striking force, the team starting in their holding formation of 4-5-1.  Despite another tough competition and only allowing two goals in the second half, the Panthers fell to the first-seed Tigers 6-0.  The Player of the Game was Grace Lamay (pictured right), who showed exceptional improvements in her game: making good turns with the ball at her feet, playing solid defense, and having much more crisp first touches.  The coaches are excited to see Grace more at outside midfield.  Good game, Grace! 

Tallie Phillips wins a ball from a Chapel Hill player

The team takes on J.F. Webb Thursday for their last regular-season Conference match.  Having faced two hard challenges early in the week, they are ready for one they can tackle.  It will be Senior Night, and the speeches will commence at 5:45pm.  Game time is 6pm.  Please come out and support your Panthers, especially your senior Panthers!

Team collects 9 goals and a shutout in game against Southern Vance

Grace Lamay chases down a Southern Vance player

The team traveled to Southern Vance for their second meeting on Wednesday, April 25th.  The team took the field in their secondary formation, running with two forwards and four midfielders.  Devon Allen quickly finished the first goal, dribbling up through a few defenders before scoring in the left corner of the net.

Her goal was followed by one from Hannah Mignosa, who sprinted up the left sideline and sent a left-footed shot across the baseline.  Seemingly at an impossible angle, the goal squeaked in the far-side of the net.  Goals from three seniors followed: first from Tatiana Mangal, then one from Brittany Smith, and finally two from captain Brooke Hilliard, one off of a cross from freshman Megan Joyner.

Brooke Hilliard and Tatiana Mangal switch as keepers

The team went into the second half looking much more organized, playing with passes to feet and focusing on playing the way they faced as well as swinging the ball through the back.  The time in goal was split between Hilliard and Mangal, shown right, and Madison Chandler happily put away her second goal of the season while playing on the field.

Hannah Mignosa, Player of the Game

Sophomore Ashley Blakemore, out for part of the season with injury and illness, finally notched her first goal of the season, and excitedly so.  The coaches hope that Blakemore's scoring-floodgates have opened. 

The Player of the Game was sophomore Hannah Mignosa, who played at the outside midfield position for the majority of the game.  Aside from a fantastic goal, she hustled hard and created multiple scoring opportunities with crosses for the Panthers.  Great game, Hannah!

Hannah Mignosa makes a left-footed cross

The team heads into their last week of regular-season play next week, with 3 conference games to close out the season.  All of the games are at home--please come out & support your Panthers!

*A huge thanks to Julie Joyner for the photos!  Thank you!

Missing players doesn't stop Panthers from well-played soccer, but they still fall 4-1 to Northern Durham

Center defender Natalie Hartmond clears a ball away from a Knight

The team faced Northern Durham last Friday, April 20th, at the Knights stadium.  Without Mia or Tallie Phillips, Ashley Blakemore, MJ Bumgarner, Brittany Smith, and Summer Anderson, one would think that the team fell apart.  Quite the contrary.  The rest of the team picked up the responsibility, with many of the players never coming off of the field for a substitution, and held off Northern Durham for the majority of the first half.

Viviane Feldman plays tight pressure defense on #15

The Panthers defense was solid--with Natalie Hartmond (shown above right) and Viviane Feldman (shown left) winning many balls centrally out of the air, and Brooke Hilliard, Devon Allen, and Tatiana Mangal playing fast and decisive outside defense.  Goalkeeper Madison Chandler had 10 saves in the first half, helping to hold off the Knights for almost 30 minutes of the first half.  Executing on fast breaks, the Knights slipped in 2 goals before the second half.

The team agreed at halftime to continue playing fast-pace soccer: 1-and 2-touches, continuing the movement off the ball, and not pulling the ball back on a potential breakaway.  A few minutes into the second half, the Knights got their third goal, and both teams played the majority of the second half at a score of 3-0.   Devon Allen was pulled up to forward and Rachel Shinnick started to play more as an attacking center midfielder to help Allen on breakways.  The Panthers had multiple opportunities up top, set up by good passes out wide by freshmen Megan Joyner and Savannah Jackson, a few good corner kick chances by Viviane Feldman, and one near-goal off of a free kick taken by Natalie Hartmond.  Late in the second half, freshman Rachel Shinnick collected a ball off of a punt by the goalkeeper near the half-field line, set it up, and shot from way out.  The ball seemed to travel in slow motion as it dropped in behind the goalkeeper, making the score 3-1.

Grace Lamay controls the dribble

The Panthers fought hard for a second goal, but couldn't seem to close on any of their chances.  The team had a total of 16 shots against Northern Durham, and a shot on goal percentage of 44%.  The team is still striving to get their shots on goal more than 50% of the time, and hope to focus on that tonight against Conference opponent Southern Vance.

Devon Allen, Player of the Game, on a fast break from defender

It was difficult for the coaches to choose one Player of the Game as so many members of the team had breakout performances--notably Natalie Hartmond, Viviane Feldman, Brooke Hilliard, and Megan Joyner, but one player in particular epitomized the ideal of never giving up.  Providing constant hustle and effort, a winning attitude, and a level of fight that truly set her on her own level, junior Devon Allen took home the s'mores packet for earning Player of the Game.  Great game, Devon. 

The team travels to Southern Vance tonight for their final in-season away game.  They are on the hunt for a W.  Good luck, Panthers!

Rescheduled J.F. Webb game

Due to the cancellation of the J.F. Webb game, the home game has been rescheduled (Varsity only) for Friday, May 4th, at 5pm.  Warm-ups for the Varsity team will begin at 4pm.  We hope you can join us for our last conference home game of the season!

2012 Panthers at Prom

From left: Viviane Feldman, Devon Allen, Brooke Hilliard, Tatiana Mangal, Mia Phillips, Tallie Phillips, Tyler Taubenheim, Madison Chandler, Natalie Hartmond, MJ Bumgarner, Katie Bumgarner, volunteer Maribel Portillo

Panthers topple Northern Vance 4-0

Hannah Mignosa takes on a Viking

After two tough losses against Cedar Ridge and then Chapel Hill, the Panthers were hungry to secure a win.  Facing Northern Vance Wednesday night, they hoped that they'd have their chance.  Despite the colder weather and a threat of rain, the girls warmed up and took the field.  They knew that in the case of rain cancellation, they couldn't be down at any point.  About ten minutes in to the game, the Panthers were awarded an indirect kick.  The entire Northern Vance team lined up on the goal line, but there was a small gap between the Vance defensive wall on the left side.  Both Rachel Shinnick and Mia Phillips saw the opening, and after a quick pass from Shinnick, Phillips executed the goal, and the Panthers took the lead.

Savannah Jackson pulls a move on Northern Vance

On a three-game week, the team made many substitutions to stay fresh and saw some stellar performances from some different players.  All three players that played from JV (Summer Anderson, Savannah Jackson (pictured right), and Lexi Moyer) had great games and really showed how their skills and awareness of the game have progressed throughout the season.

Hannah Mignosa, Grace Lamay, Tatiana Mangal, Brittany Smith and Haley Strong all played much better as well, trying out some new moves on the field.

Mia Phillips scores her third goal of the game.  Her first hat trick this season!

Ten minutes after the first goal, right defender Tatiana Mangal made a clean pass into the center of the field where Mia Phillips turned with the ball, shot, and finished her second goal of the night, earning Mangal her first assist of the season and Phillips her 8th goal.  With 16 minutes left in the half, Phillips dribbled through two defenders and secured her third goal of the night, notching her 9th goal and first hat trick of the season.

The loss of MJ Bumgarner to an ankle injury just before halftime slowed down Panther momentum somewhat, and while they went into halftime excited about the lead, they knew that they were capable of better soccer.  Staying wide, playing two-touch, and better communication were encouraged for the second half, as well as not giving up so many turnovers.  24 turnovers in 9 minutes, the team agreed, is unacceptable. 

They went back into the second half and the Vikings held the Panthers scoreless until the last five minutes of the half, when Rachel Shinnick, using only her left foot, dribbled through a defender and sunk her 7th goal of the season.  Her now-well-known goal-scoring excitement followed just after.

Haley Strong accelerates on a breakaway

Finishing with a shutout and 36 shots on goal was a victory for the Panthers, and congratulations are in order for Madison Chandler and Tatiana Mangal's second duo shutout.  However, the team knows what they need to continue to work on: shots on goal (only 44% against Northern Vance!), playing wide, and checking to the player with the ball as well as playing simple passes so as to prevent turnovers.

Brittany Smith, Player of the Game

The Player of the Game against Northern Durham was senior Brittany Smith, who played the majority of the game at both forward and defense.  She had a total of 4 shots on goal and a few near-assists to outside midfielders.  Her aggressive play and speed on the field were huge improvements for her and certainly did not go unnoticed.  Brittany is a great leader for the team, and her passion for the sport and the team were truly exemplified Wednesday night.  Great job, Brittany. 

They head into their game tonight against Northern Durham confident and eager for a comeback win.  We hope you'll join us!

Tough losses to Cedar Ridge and Chapel Hill test team, build character

Devon Allen maneuvers around a Cedar Ridge striker

Tuesday, April 10th: Orange vs. Cedar Ridge, L: 2-3

There isn't a better way to learn the lesson of "playing until the last whistle blows" quite like the way that the Panthers' soccer team learned it last Tuesday night against Cedar Ridge.  Back from Spring Break, the team started off without their usual luster and quickly lost center midfielder Rachel Shinnick to an injury, but sophomore Tallie Phillips managed to score a goal off of an assist from her sister, senior Mia Phillips, before going into the second half.  Up 1-0 at halftime, the Panthers felt charged and ready to continue the attack.

Megan Joyner, Player of the Game vs. Cedar Ridge

However, a quick Cedar Ridge goal early in the second half tied up the game, and the Panthers struggled to regain their composure after that.  Megan Joyner really stepped up as center midfielder in the absence of her friend and teammate, Shinnick, and Joyner found herself tracking down Cedar Ridge players all over the field.  Her physical style of play and refusal to give up earned her the title of "Player of the Game," but not before she got a breakaway goal late in the second half to tie up the game, 2-2.

Megan Joyner shields the ball from a Red Wolf

Motivated by their second goal to tie it up, the Panthers attacked hard, pulling Devon Allen out of the defense, moving to a more attacking formation with her at forward, and running in a 3-5-2 for the last nine minutes of the game.  Both Cedar Ridge and Orange traded breakaways in the last ten minutes of the game, and with 14 seconds left in the game, Cedar Ridge pulled out a shot across the frame of the goal to go up 3-2.  Try as they might, 14 seconds wasn't quite enough for the Panthers, and despite outshooting Cedar Ridge 15-7, the Panthers took home the loss.

The team discusses the Cedar Ridge game

The Panthers went into practice the next day with three themes to focus on and discuss: 1) personal accountability, 2) structural changes & changes in formation and 3) staying hungry.  They watched film, looking specifically for instances of turnovers, not winning 50/50 balls, not shooting when they had the shot, and situations where they got beat by players on the other team.  Despite being hard to swallow, the team understood that they won't operate as a team until they have each conquered their personal weaknesses.  They then talked strategy and potential new formations before agreeing to take the Cedar Ridge game, learn from it, and never let it happen again.

Monday, April 16th: Orange vs. Chapel Hill, L: 0-4

The team came out Monday night without Tallie Phillips and Rachel Shinnick, who both had to sit with injuries.  They took the field against Chapel Hill in a 4-5-1, with Mia Phillips as the lone attacker.  The team had a difficult time of guarding against the sideline wall passes, and Chapel Hill scored three times in the first half, going into halftime up 3-0.

In the second half, the Panthers defense stepped up, notably with Tatiana Mangal (shown below) chasing after every ball and forcing Chapel Hill to continue to pass back away from the Orange goal.  Later in the second half, Mangal moved to a forward position with Brittany Smith as the team shifted to a 4-4-2.  Mangal's composed efforts and crisp touches at both forward and defense earned her the role of "Player of the Game" against Chapel Hill.  Great game, Tatiana!  

Tatiana Mangal, shown left, controls the ball

After a fourth Chapel Hill goal 15 minutes in to the second half, the Panthers denied any Tiger shots for the rest of the game.  The Panthers pulled off a few more goal-scoring opportunities, with Mia Phillips hitting the crossbar on one shot late in the second half.  The Panthers went home Monday night disappointed in the loss but not defeated, as senior Mia Phillips said, "I think we could do better, but I also think that we played well."

Spirit Packs available for sign up!

 

This year, the teams have elected to get mesh jerseys.  Below is the design that was chosen.  It will be orange with white letters on one side, and white mesh without any printing on the reverse side (see image).  If there are 50 orders, they will come out to $20.00/jersey.  If you want your number printed on the back, then it is $2.50 per number.  Please let us know if you are interested below (or you can return the form if you prefer) and return the form by THIS Friday, April 20^th with your payment (cash or check is fine) to Coach Hunter.  Please make checks payable to Jenna Hunter.  We realize that these are not cheap, but we would like for everyone to get one that would like one.  If money is an issue, please speak with Coach Hunter or Coach Jag, and we’ll find a way to work it out.  Thanks!

 Sign up here!
http://www.customink.com/signup/v64hijr