Panthers Strike Twice, Blank Pickerington Central in Season Opener
Panthers Open 2026 Season With 2-0 Victory Over Pickerington Central
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Following a thrilling run in the OHSAA Girls Soccer State Tournament that saw Pickerington North reach the state semifinal, the Panthers returned to the pitch for a primetime contest against crosstown rival Pickerington Central to kick off the 2026 girls soccer season.
Both teams traded chances in the early going, but North fired the opening shot across the bow. Sophomore Yasmine Shaibu won a foot race against her defender and found herself in a one-on-one opportunity with the Pickerington Central goalkeeper. Shaibu was tripped up as both players attempted to gain possession, and the chance went wide.
The sophomore wasn’t done, getting a clean shot off in the ninth minute that forced a save from the Tiger goalkeeper.
North senior goalkeeper Reagan Green registered her first save of the season shortly after, floating through the air and diving to her left to collect the shot.
Sophomore midfielder Emily Morris nearly put the Panthers on the board in the 17th minute. She battled with her defender before getting a shot off, but the attempt lacked pace as the defender shielded Morris from the loose ball and watched it roll out of play for a goal kick.
Green collected another stop in the 34th minute and received strong play from her defense, including a timely tackle from senior Elle Frangos, to keep the score level at 0-0 heading into halftime.
Pickerington North finally broke through in the 64th minute when senior Nevaeh Champion won a foot race against her defender, collected the ball and placed a clinical finish into the back of the net. The goal gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage and energized the home crowd heading into the final moments of the contest.
Nine minutes later, Morris doubled the Panthers’ lead. A miscue from the Central goalkeeper led to a failed clearance from the Tigers, allowing the sophomore to turn and fire from the top of the penalty area. Her shot struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing down across the goal line. The far-side assistant referee signaled for the goal, giving North a 2-0 advantage.
North continued to apply pressure but ultimately settled into possession, taking the ball into the corner and methodically running out the clock to claim its first victory of the season.
UP NEXT
The Panthers continue to enjoy home cooking when they welcome Hilliard Davidson to Refugee Road. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.