Winter break was no time off for Pacheco High soccer as league games started back up on Jan. 3. Looking to remain unbeaten at home, the Panthers (7-2-1 overall, 1-1-1 WAC) hosted the Johansen Vikings (7-6 overall, 0-3 WAC). Pacheco had not played a game since a tough 5-2 loss to league leading Central Valley on Dec. 19.
The stingy defense Pacheco has become known for in recent seasons showed up once again. Behind another strong outing in the goal from senior Arturo Garcia and a formidable defensive group the Panthers held the Vikings scoreless through the first forty minutes of play. The offense struggled to find the net though and the teams went to halftime tied 0-0.
Midway through the second half the Panthers broke through when senior Sam Pinal scored from 15 yards out to give his team the 1-0 lead. That would prove to be the only goal needed as the defensive effort by Pacheco led to the teams sixth shutout in ten games. In a very competitive conference each win will be crucial for the Panthers to reach the playoffs once again this season. The team currently sits in a tie for fourth place with Lathrop, trailing Livingston, Central Valley and Ceres.
In JV action the Panthers found themselves down 4-1 in the first half. A valiant comeback came up just short with the host team falling to Johansen by a final score of 4-3. The boys teams will return to action Jan. 9 taking on Beyer in Modesto. The junior varsity girls soccer will be at home on Jan. 9 at Veterans Stadium. Game begins at 4:30 p.m.
