This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is senior goalkeeper Connor McMurtry. On September 23, McMurtry made some crucial saves as the Panthers defeated Southern Durham 5-3 at Spartans Stadium. With Orange leading 4-2 at halftime, McMurtry made four big diving saves to keep the Panthers ahead and ultimately preserve an important nonconference win against the leaders of the Northern Lakes Conference. Three nights later, McMurtry was in net as Orange defeated Graham 3-0. It was the Panthers fifth straight win, its longest winning streak since 2016. McMurtry was the winning goalkeeper in the Panthers 4-3 win over Northwood on September 21. At the beginning of the season, McMurtry had a clean sheet as the Panthers defeated Knightdale 1-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park for its first win of the season. Orange will enter a crucial week next week to face Cedar Ridge on Monday, followed by a home game against Person. Orange is currently ranked #26 in the MaxPreps 3A East Region, meaning they’re fighting for its first birth in the state playoffs since 2016.