April 28, 2025

Knoxville too much for PCM soccer

Mustangs shut out at home in non-conference contest

By Troy Hyde
Keegan Fenton

PCM junior Keegan Fenton shoots the ball downfield during a home match with Knoxville on Monday. (Troy Hyde/Newton News)

MONROE — PCM head soccer coach Darrin Telfer can’t complain about his team’s effort. But the Mustangs simply didn’t have enough soccer skills to hang with Knoxville on Monday and the Panthers delivered a 7-0 victory during non-conference action.

“We play hard, but when you don’t do a lot of travel ball, it takes a little bit to get going and to get the confidence back,” Telfer said. “And the ones who have confidence need to work on trusting their teammates more.”

Jaxson Straight

PCM sophomore Jaxson Straight, right, battles Knoxville's Ezra Schmidt during a non-conference contest in Monroe on Monday. The Panthers downed the Mustangs, 7-0. (Troy Hyde/Newton News)

Knoxville led 4-0 at halftime and added three goals in the second half.

Jensen Finnegan, Rylan Robinson and Kaison Wilder each totaled two goals and one assist for the visitors. Robinson now has a team-best five goals this season. It was the fourth goal this spring for both Finnegan and Wilder.

The Mustangs were out-shot 35-5 in the contest, and the Panthers had a 20-3 advantage in shots on goal.

A lot of the Panthers opportunities at the goal were set up with through balls that got by PCM’s back line.

“They have some good soccer players and good athletes,” Telfer said. “We’re still learning the game and may be underestimating some opponents. We do have a new back line this year, and they are trying to find their groove.”

Kolby Clark

PCM sophomore Kolby Clark, right, takes the ball away from Knoxville's Kaison Wilder during a non-conference contest in Monroe on Monday. (Troy Hyde/Newton News)

Jaxson Straight had a couple of opportunities in the first half. But his shots in the 44th and 46th minutes were stopped by Knoxville keeper Carson Cecil.

PCM goalie Matt Wing made 13 saves for the Mustangs.

“We battle. We play hard. We haven’t quit,” Telfer said. “But we need to keep working on our skill. I’m proud of their effort. They just need to keep fighting.”

It was the fourth straight win for Knoxville, which ended that streak following a tie against Chariton on Friday.

The Panthers (4-1-3) registered their second shutout of the season. They also downed Albia 7-0.

Shay Burns

PCM junior Shay Burns, left, keeps the ball away from the goal against Knoxville on Monday. (Troy Hyde/Newton News)

PCM (1-6-1) dropped its fourth straight match, and it has been shut out in three straight contests.

“We’re starting to put a few passes together, and the attitude is good,” Telfer said. “We have lots of leaders out there who are setting the bar.

“They are sticking together and hopefully we are through the toughest part of our schedule.”

Notes: PCM’s home contest with Central Iowa United was postponed on Thursday.