It was not yet a devastating loss for the Montezuma-Cortez High School varsity boys soccer program, but it did derail them a bit in their bid for a post-season playoff berth in the Class 4A Soccer State Championships.

The Panthers lost 2-1 on Saturday, Oct. 7, to Montrose at Norman Johnson Memorial Field. They had defeated Fruita-Monument, a Class 5A team, the night before 2-1. By defeating a Class 5A school, the Panthers are currently up on Montrose by points. But they have got to at least tie or win one of their remaining three league games in order to advance to the playoffs, according to MCHS head coach Todd Starr. Unfortunately, the Panthers host one of the State Class 5A premier teams in Durango at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Johnson Field.

Against the Indians, the Panthers took an early lead when Jeremy Jazlowski kicked the ball into the net. But Montrose came back and tied the game just before the half. The Indians scored on a beautiful free kick, according to Starr.

But about 10 minutes gone in the second half, Cortez’ goalie stretched all the way out and got his hands on the ball, but the ball had enough momentum to carry it into the goal.

"The band trip (to Grand Junction) hurt us," Starr remarked. "We had four kids gone. We played well but we needed those starting players."

Cortez had an opportunity to score late in the game when Omar Pena and Ian Cain had the ball near the Montrose goal. The shot went just wide of the mark on an open goal.

"We play a great first half but we can’t seem to play a whole 80 minutes," Starr added.

However Starr was certainly happy following the win over the Wildcats Friday night, though.

"That was the best defense we have played all year. I think they are finally figuring it out. It was just amazing to watch them. Every ball in the air in the first half, we won," he noted.

Jeff Yarbrough made a left-footed shot for a goal about half-way through the first half for a 1-0 lead. Pena scored in the second half for a 2-0 advantage with about 20 minutes left to play. Fruita popped one in late.