CORTEZ – Eighty minutes into the 2025 spring season, one thing has become clear – the future is now for Montezuma-Cortez High School soccer.
Fielding a team that featured varsity newcomers in the front six of their formation, the Panthers ushered in a new era for their program in a 1-1 draw against Ridgway on Tuesday.
The Panthers scored in the 74th minute through one of their freshmen, as Mia Glazner took a through ball from senior Jordi Mahler to fire home from 12 yards out, tying the contest.
It was a goal that the hosts fully deserved, as they dominated the final 20 minutes after falling behind 1-0 on Ridgway junior Addy Gardiner’s 59th minute sharp-angle rocket.
Gardiner nearly doubled the Demons advantage, clattering another long-range effort off the crossbar, with the long rebound actually spurring the Panthers counterattack that led the Glazner equalizer.
The Panthers (0-0-1) doubled up their opponents in terms of shots and high-quality chances, as Mahler nearly smashed home the winner five minutes from full time, only for the Demons to come up with the save.
Glazner nearly opened the scoring in a first half controlled by the Panthers, pulling a shot just wide from the top of the penalty box. Classmate Emilynn Hill wreaked havoc down the channels for the Panthers attack, and nearly had a goal 10 minutes before the intermission, but her shot raced across the face of goal.
Another Panthers freshman, Di’Nya Manual, missed by just inches midway through the second half after a well-weighted pass from Glazner found her at the penalty spot.
Freshman Kyndall Schmitt helped the Panthers control the midfield, while seniors Emily Howell and Halee Kibel anchored the central defense, limiting the Demons to scant opportunities on senior Aubrey Rutherford’s goal.
Against a stern test to open up the season – the Demons were a 2A state tournament qualifier last year – a draw to open the campaign felt like a springboard of confidence for the Panthers.
Second-year head coach Melody Harris welcomes the challenge of developing a group that’s cutting their teeth at the high school level. “Our freshman class has so much talent, and with our returning group, there’s a ton of potential on this team,” said Harris. “I’m excited to see the type of soccer that we’re capable of.”
It’s a mashup of students from several area schools for Harris’ group, with representation from Dolores and Dove Creek joining the M-CHS crew. With many of the players stepping on to the field just days after the basketball season ended, developing chemistry is the next step, according to the Panthers head coach.
“With almost a brand-new team, we came in a bit nervous because it’s the first high school game for many of them – it’s understandable – but with more time on the field, they’re going to learn to work together,” added Harris.
Sophomore Kaybree Smith and freshman Jordyn Erautt provided big lifts off the bench for the Panthers – and finding the right roles for each player to showcase their skills will help the Panthers catch stride in time for when IML play commences in April.
The Panthers head to the Front Range for matches against Atlas Prep on Friday and Rye on Saturday with high hopes of continuing the unbeaten start to the season before the Panthers return home on Mar. 25 to face Ignacio.
