Evading defeat: Panthers on 7-game streak

Though they have logged three tie games, the Panther boys soccer team hasn’t lost since April 28 when they fell 7-1 against Lewis Central.

Since then, they defeated Boone 7-1, tied with Central Iowa United 4-4, tied Glenwood 2-2, defeated Clarke 3-2, tied with Abraham Lincoln 3-3, shut out Red Oak 10-0 and dominated Riverside 13-0.

Creston sits at a 7-5-3 record with just two games to go in the regular season.

Junior Joaquin Flores leads all classes in goals with 36 on the season, including six against Riverside and five against Red Oak. His 83 shots on goal is the second highest mark in the state.

At the Creston Invitational Saturday, Abraham Lincoln and Creston both defeated the Clarke team. Against each other, the Panthers put up three goals in the first half to the Lynx’s two. In the second half, Lincoln shut out Creston while scoring a goal of their own, creating the final 3-3 tie.

Though Flores scored all three goals on eight shots on goal, senior CT Stalker logged an assist and a shot on goal. Sophomores Austin Jondle and Wyatt Burwell each had two shots on goal but Lynx goalie Kowen Dighton logged seven saves.

In the Panthers’ 3-2 win over Clarke, Burwell, Jace Purdum and Davin Wallace scored goals while Flores’ seven shots on goal were saved by Clarke keeper Joshua Banales. He logged 25 total saves.

Lane had five saves of his own for the Panthers.

On senior night Monday, Creston shut out visiting Red Oak 10-0 after scoring seven in the first half. Flores was responsible for half of the goals and two assists. Senior Ayden Purdum scored two goals on two shots. Making one shot each were Justin Myers, Jace Purdum and Lane. Wallace was in the goal for a portion of the game.

Tuesday Creston hosted the Riverside Bulldogs, winning 13-0. Flores had six of the goals, a hat trick from sophomore Josh Anderson and one each from David Sandoval, Jace Purdum, Hector Suazo and Kade Goins. Flores and Jace Purdum each had three assists.

Creston finishes the season with two home games — tonight at 5 p.m. against Kuemper Catholic (8-6-1) and Friday at 7:15 against Harlan (7-7-2).