By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Pelham High School boys’ soccer coach Patrick McDonald expected sloppy play in the Panthers’ season-opening match against Spain Park.

McDonald knew there would be plenty of penalty-kick chances against the Jaguars.

The Panthers were awarded a penalty-kick opportunity with 40 seconds remaining in their season opener, but an errant shot that hit the crossbar sealed a 1-1 tie with Spain Park in the season opener for both teams Feb. 15.

“You’re not going to expect your team to be playing on all cylinders,” McDonald said. “We had some opportunities. I was satisfied with our effort.”

Oscar Pineda scored the Panthers’ lone goal, a penalty-kick attempt, in the first half to give Pelham a 1-0 lead at the break.

Spain Park tied the contest at 1-1 four minutes into the second half following a penalty-kick goal by Greg Yund.

The Panthers couldn’t take advantage of their final opportunity to break the tie.

“It was a pretty exciting game,” McDonald said.