LIBERTY — It only took three games for new Monticello Boys Soccer Head Coach Andres Tamayo to earn his first varsity win.

After taking over the team this offseason, Andres and the Panthers got off to a slow 0-2 start to the season before Monday’s matchup against the Liberty RedHawks.

In a game that was almost canceled due to field conditions, the Panthers pounced early and often, scoring three goals in the first half and taking a 3-0 lead that would turn out to be unsurmountable by the RedHawks.

Chase McFarland found the back of the net early after a direct kick from midfield was redirected via a header to start the scoring for Monticello.

Liberty had plenty of scoring opportunities, including a penalty kick that went wide of the goal.

McFarland scored his second goal and the Panthers increased their lead to 2-0.

While still in the first half, Reese Kelly found the back of the net off an assist by McFarland, and scored the third and final Monticello goal before the break.

Liberty put the pressure on throughout the second half, and especially as time began winding down.

Francisco Gonzalez scored for the RedHawks and cut the lead down to two goals. Despite the Liberty offense pushing the ball into the Monticello side and keeping it there, the Monticello defense staved off any late goal opportunities for Liberty and the Panthers held on for the 3-1 victory.

“We’ve grown and changed a lot after our first two games,” Tamayo said. “We played a more defensive game today and it opened up scoring opportunities on the wide side. The team is progressing a lot with each game.”

Monticello improved to 1-2 after the win, but lost a league matchup against Minisink on Tuesday to drop them to 1-3. They’ll host Warwick this afternoon for another division matchup.