For the first time in the 38-year history of the program, the Orange men’s soccer team has won a conference championship. John Gomez scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in the 15th minute, as the Panthers defeated Seaforth 3-1 at Hawks Stadium in Pittsboro. Orange avenged its only conference loss of the season on October 6. Two days after scoring a hat trick against J.F. Webb in Oxford, senior John Gomez added another hat trick against the Hawks. Dallas Johnson, the ubiquitous team captain, was utilized as a centerback and amassed dozens of takeaways as Seaforth tried to build up attacks after giving up the opening goal seven minutes into the game. Johnson, who is also running cross country this fall, wasn’t even breathing hard after running endlessly for 80 minutes in game’s end. Wingback John Williams added another strong defensive performance, making several crucial challenges that ended up with Orange in possession of the ball as Orange held Seaforth scoreless in the second half. It was a remarkable night all the way around. Orange broke the school record for most wins in a season, set by last year’s team. In 2024, Orange wo 16 games. The Panthers conclude the regular season 17-5 and will host a state playoff game next week. The pairings will be announced on Sunday.
