Panthers Fall to Curtis in League Match Under the Full Moon

Abby Arneson.

A full moon lit the night sky over Bonney Lake on Tuesday as the Panthers hosted the Curtis Vikings in a league showdown. Bonney Lake entered the match with a 4–4 record, while Curtis came in at 6–1–1, sitting in third place in the league with one of the most dominant groups in the district.

The Panthers were coming off a 2–0 win against Graham-Kapowsin on October 2, but this matchup would prove to be a tougher test. Right from the start, the Vikings set the tone. In just the third minute, a cross from the right side found an open striker in front of the goal, giving Curtis a quick 1–0 lead.

London Rolbiecki.

Bonney Lake didn’t stay down for long. Off a corner kick in the 12th minute, Abby Arneson bent a perfect ball from the right side into the back corner of the net. The rare goal, known as an Olimpico, leveled the match at 1–1 and sent a spark through the Panthers’ sidelines.

Curtis regained the advantage in the 33rd minute on a fortunate bounce. A shot ricocheted off the crossbar, spun past the goal line, and though the Panthers quickly cleared it, the referee ruled it good. That call sent Curtis into halftime with a 2–1 lead despite Bonney Lake’s strong possession and steady defense.

Brynn Fitch.

The second half told a different story. Curtis came out aggressive and controlled possession for much of the final 40 minutes. In the 42nd minute, the Vikings extended their lead to 3–1 off a corner kick that deflected off the Panthers’ goalkeeper and found a player in the right position. Four minutes later, Curtis struck again, pushing the lead to 4–1.

Bonney Lake fought hard but couldn’t generate the same offensive rhythm they had in the first half. When the final whistle blew, Curtis had claimed a 4–1 victory on the road.

The Panthers (4–5) will look to bounce back quickly when they host Yelm on Thursday, October 9.