from naplesnews.com

FORT MYERS — Soccer fans entering Cypress Lake’s Thomas Broomhead Memorial Stadium are greeted by a sign that honors former Panthers coach Pat Farrell.

The sign isn’t imposing. But the numbers on it are.

Farrell’s accomplishments — including a dazzling 216-51-18 record — are etched for all to see.

It will take another 200 wins for Bo McMahon to catch his predecessor, but the first year coach is off to a good start.

Friday, McMahon notched his first championship as Panthers coach. Sophomore forward Brianne Matarazzo scored two goals, and junior midfielder Sarah Yates added one goal and two assists as Cypress topped Estero, 4-1, in the Lee County Athletic Conference girls soccer championship.

“It’s nice to get your first one against a quality team like Estero,” said McMahon.

Cypress (16-4-0) received a boost four minutes into the game when senior goalkeeper Ashley Helenbrook stopped Estero freshman forward Hanna Jauregin on a clean breakaway.

“Our keeper has been a wall all season,” said McMahon. “A lot of our success starts with her. Every game she makes those two or three great saves.”

Less than two minutes later, Matarazzo went short side on Estero keeper Kayla Kincaid (13 saves) to open the scoring.

Kincaid kept the score tight with three splendid saves on point-blank shots as Cypress held a territorial advantage.

The Panthers upped their lead to 2-0 when Sarah Yates headed in a corner kick by Codi Patinella just before halftime.

Estero (11-5-1) had a few more quality scoring chances, but unlike Cypress, the Wildcats couldn’t find the back of the net until late in the game.

“We just couldn’t capitalize,” said Estero coach Ali Fabbro. “We have to be quicker and more physical with the body.”

Fancy footwork led to Panthers goals by Matarazzo and Julie Samson in the second half.

Helenbrook’s shutout bid was spoiled with two minutes left when Estero senior Hayley Bennett scored on a shot from 40 yards.

Both teams were missing key players. Cypress starters Amanda Buxton and Carley Maniscalco are out for the season with injuries. Estero played without co-captain Lavonne Lopez.

The same teams could face each other in the semifinals of next week’s Class 4A-District 11 tournament. Cypress is the No. 1 seed; Estero is No. 5.

The Panthers are on a mission to return to the state tournament for the third straight year, but McMahon said no one on his team is looking that far ahead.

“We’re one game at a time,” he said. “We’ll do the same at districts.”