This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is men’s soccer midfielder Joseph Lopez. This season, Lopez has been a co-Captain for the most successful team in the 37-year history of the program. On Saturday night, the Panthers defeated Swansboro 1-0 to win the first home state playoff game in team history. The Panthers also set a school record with its 16th win of the season. Lopez scored one of the most beautiful goals of the year on October 9 against Walter Williams in Burlington. Lopez launched a shot from 27 yards that curled into the net for the game-winning goal in a 1-0 Panther victory. It was the first time that Orange swept a regular season series from Williams in Central Conference play. Lopez scored a goal in the Panthers’ win over Eastern Alamance in Mebane, which tied the school record for most wins in a season. He has four goals and five assists this season. Last year, Lopez scored three goals, including one against Western Alamance. Lopez has been instrumental in helping Orange reach unprecedented heights this season. In his second year on the varsity, Lopez has helped the Panthers reach the playoffs for the third straight season. Lopez will return to action on Tuesday night when Orange faces Southern Nash in the 2nd round of the 3A State Playoffs in Bailey.
Orange Panther of the Week: Joseph Lopez
This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is men’s soccer midfielder Joseph Lopez. This season, Lopez has been a co-Captain for the most successful team in the 37-year history of the program. On Saturday night, the Panthers defeated Swansboro 1-0 to win the first home state playoff game in team history.