The Kokomo Wildkats visited non conference foe 2A #11 Park Tudor and defeated the hosts 2-0 Tuesday night to extend their win streak to four games. In a tight, high-paced match, the Kats settled into a counter attack posture and scored two late goals to defeat a state ranked opponent for the first time in years. In the first half, Kokomo created a few opportunities late in the half with their defensive pressure, but struggled to slow down the Panther possession-oriented game. Center backs Juan Toscano (Sr.) and Esteban Diaz (Jr.) provided the grit and cover needed to stymie the Panthers, and junior goalkeeper Alan Lopez made a few reaction saves to keep the hosts off the scoreboard. Toward the end of the first half, the game became more open, and the Wildkats were able to create more chances while cutting down the number of looks the Panthers had at the Wildkat goal. In the second half, Park Tudor cranked up the pressure, but the Kats adjusted. With just under twenty minutes remaining, senior Javier Carrera’s penetrating pass split the Panther defense as senior forward Gui Baldinu made his diagonal run. The timing was perfect as Baldinu collected the pass, beat his mark on the left side of the box, and finished a well-placed shot in lower right corner of goal for a 1-0 lead. Eight minutes later, senior captain Ben Herrera finished a one-time shot on the right side of the goal after junior midfielder Adrian Reyes served from the left flank, doubling the Wildkat lead. The Panthers attack became more direct, but the Wildkats were able to close out the clean sheet. Junior keeper Alan Lopez recorded eight saves on the night in securing the first shutout of the 2024 season. On the season, Herrera has knocked in 5 goals to go with 4 assists and Baldinu has scored 2 goals and added 1 assist. The Wildkats (5-1-0, 1-0-0) visit non-conference foe Hamilton Heights Thursday evening. Your men of the match are centerbacks Juan Toscano (Sr.) and Esteban Diaz (Jr.). Junior Varsity The junior varsity team (1-1-2, 1-0-0) bounced back from Saturday’s performance, earning a 0-0 draw with the Panthers. The Kats were solid defensively, led by sophomore Ethan Landrum who earned the shutout. Although they outshot and out-possessed the Panthers, the Kats could not break through in scoring column and settled for the draw.