MONTICELLO – A hot and sunny September afternoon brought Monticello back to Somerville Field for its second boys soccer game of the season, where the Panthers faced a tough Washingtonville squad and fell 7-1.

Washingtonville wasted no time taking control, finding the net within the opening minute. The Wizards struck twice more during the early portion of the first half to build a 3-0 advantage before Monticello was able to answer.

Julian Garcia provided the response for the Panthers, finding the net to cut Washingtonville’s lead to 3-1.

Monticello’s defense settled in considerably after the difficult start. The Panthers were able to slow Washingtonville’s attack through much of the remainder of the half, but they couldn’t generate another goal of their own. Washingtonville eventually broke through the defense once more, late in the half, sending Monticello into the break trailing 4-1.

The second half began with a much more even back-and-forth battle. Monticello continued to fight and created several opportunities around the Washingtonville goal, but the Panthers were unable to find the net again.

Washingtonville continued to hold the territorial advantage, spending much of the half on Monticello’s side of the field. The Wizards eventually added three more goals while keeping the Panthers scoreless throughout the second half, closing out the game with a 7-1 victory.

Despite the loss, Monticello coach Andres Tamayo remained optimistic about his team and what lies ahead this season after the Panthers snapped a decade-long sectional drought last year.

“I’m excited for this new season,” Tamayo said. “We came off a 10-year drought with sectionals last year and we’re trying to continue that this year. We need to make sure we stay with our quick-touch style, especially against bigger teams like Washingtonville. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get it done tonight, but I’m proud of the guys and I know we’ve got a good team this year.”