Expectations haven’t changed for Maumee despite losing streak

Evelyn Boyett battles for possession with a pair of Genoa defenders. / Pride of the Panthers

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

IMA SPORTS

The Maumee girls soccer team took a pair of 1-0 losses last week, giving them five defeats in the last six games.

While most people might see it as a rough spot, Panthers coach Jeremiah McNutt said his team is viewing it as a learning experience.

“An experience that will benefit us when the tournament starts, a chance for all the girls to look internally and learn from the experience,” McNutt said.

To McNutt’s point, it’s not like Maumee is losing to bad teams. The combined record of the five teams to beat the Panthers this season is 21-8-2.

Last week brought a 1-0 loss at Genoa (4-1-1) and a 1-0 loss at Celina (7-1).

“Their responses after the last couple games have shown us how much they care about this season, especially the seniors,” McNutt said. “We told them to remember the feelings right now the next time they find them in a similar situation. That way they don't put themselves in the same position again.”

Maumee (2-5-1) has been on the road for the last six games. That streak will end Wednesday when the Panthers host Oak Harbor in a Northern Buckeye Conference match.

Five of Maumee’s last eight games are also on the road.

Even with the string of losses, McNutt said the goals haven’t changed for the two-time defending Division II district champion Panthers.

“We are the ones being chased,” he said. “We are the top prize when playing everyone, which we haven't been in that situation in a long time. We are now the ones being hunted.

“Our expectations are the same — a third district title. The tournament is when the cream comes to the top. I believe we are that cream.”

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com