The Paschal Panthers lose their third shootout of district play despite a strong start to the season.

Head coach Mark Townsend said the team had a rough game the previous game.

Townsend said they are hoping for a Cinderella-like season. The team has missed the playoffs the past two years, and after an 8-1 opening in non-district play.

The boys team played Arlington High School on Friday night. The Panthers kept the pressure on the Colts for a majority of the game, keeping the ball on Arlington’s side of the field for most of the game.

The Panthers had four close shots in the first twenty minutes of the game, including two headers by Uriel Pacheco that missed by only two feet at the most. Despite the game long pressure, the boys gave up the only two goals in regulation, one in the 19th minute, and 24th minute.

In the 33rd minute, the Panther’s defense stole the ball away from an Arlington forward and took a break down the left side of the field. While the shot missed, it made the Colt’s think more defensive for the rest of the game.

The Panthers came out in the second half with a new attitude. They kept the ball on the Colt’s side of the field, and then scored in the 57th minute to make it 2-1. Two more shots would get close in the 66th and 69th minute, with the 69th minute hitting the top bar and bouncing away from the net.

With less than four minutes left in the game, the Colt’s fouled one of the Panthers leading to a penalty kick. The kick would lead to the tying goal and eventually lead to the third shootout Paschal has gone to in district play.

Paschal had a chance to win the game outright with less than two minutes, missing a header high from a corner kick.

The shootout was close, with Paschal’s second shot being caught by the keeper.

Townsend said the first district game against Arlington Sam Houston was an eye opener. That was the only loss that the Panthers haven’t gone to a shootout in during district play. Although the team is on a two game losing streak, Townsend said they could still be in the hunt.

The Panther’s will take the field again Tuesday, Feb. 19 at home against North Crowley. The game will start at 7:30 p.m.