Despite dominating possession and asking more questions in the first half, the Parsons Vikings’ levee splintered in the second half as the Paola Panthers won, 4-1, in boys soccer action on Tuesday.
“We just have young players,” Parsons Vikings head coach Ramirez said. “We started off with 11 and got five more freshmen. It’s hard to get that team spirit up when we’re not on the same page. We got scored on and there was finger pointing. It’s hard, but we’ll get it. We just need to build up the team feel.”
The Vikings’ lone goal came off the boot of Conner Barcus, who connected with the back of the net after a rebounded save.
Parsons and Paola were tied, 1-1, through the first half as forwards Barcus, Mario Zacarias and Jamar Watkins put near constant pressure on the Panthers’ back line.
“They’re a good trio if everything is going well,” Ramirez said. “If one messes up, it throws the whole mood off. They’re a good trio, we just need someone to support them. Everybody has to move up the field in one motion as a team. Those three are solid. Our stuff is looking good. We just have to go out there and execute.”
Parsons gave up a goal off a corner kick midway through the second half and the floodgates opened from there as the Vikings tried to play catch-up.
Parsons is now 0-3 on the season with losses to Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Paola.
“My biggest thing is that we have to fill other roles,” Ramirez said. “Just because you’re on the right side doesn’t mean you don’t move back and help. We intermingle positions. We have to move in support. That’s my biggest thing this season is to get them to recognize that. We’re an oiled machine. If one part doesn’t work, we all crumble.”
Up next
Parsons plays Independence on the road on Thursday before backto- back matches against Chanute on Sept. 19 and Sept. 24.
