By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Jeffrey Palacios put together a clean sheet buoyed by a strong Pelham defense as the Panthers defeated the visiting Spain Park Jaguars 2-0 on Friday, April 4.

The two teams previously met on Friday, March 14, with Pelham defeating Spain Park in a thrilling shootout victory. Rather than being defined by high-powered offense, the Panther-Jaguar matchup on Friday night was a defensive battle.

Neither team could find the back of the net in the first half as both Palacios and George Everly put together spectacular games in net for either side. Offensive chances for either side stalled in the first half, with both teams creating a strong defensive gameplan that limited one another.

The game flipped in the 46th minute. After more stout defense from both teams at the beginning of the half, Pelham broke through after Jair Camargo was fouled inside the box during a corner kick.

Camargo calmly sank the ensuing penalty kick, sending the Panther faithful into a frenzy and breaking the scoreless tie.

Pelham continued the offensive pressure, creating multiple chances but failing to capitalize. Spain Park continued to be limited by the Panthers stifling defense, getting very little shots on goal.

As the clock continued to wind down, Spain Park had a promising counterattack with under two minutes left that was stopped by Pelham’s defense. With 13 seconds left, Luis Bravo put one through Everly’s outstretched arms to deliver the Panthers the 2-0 victory and ice the game.

Pelham will look to continue its winning ways with another home game against Brookwood on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. With the loss, the Jaguars will look to break their five-game losing streak at home against Briarwood on the same day at 7:30 p.m.