Derby boys soccer has a core of standout seniors in Saul Munoz, Connor Robinnete, Michael Self and Matthew Young.

During the Panthers’ game against Maize Thursday, Derby gave up a goal in the first five minutes. 

After a Maize handball, senior Omar Vielmas scored Derby’s first goal on a penalty kick. 

“When you score goals, you get a little bit more excited, too,” coach Paul Burke said.

Shortly after the second half began, Munoz made his first goal of the night, putting Derby in the lead at 2-1. 

“I knew we needed to get up because our first half wasn’t that good. I guess I put it upon myself and got determined to score one to put the team up,” Munoz said.

Munoz had seven shots on goal in the second half. He scored his second with 22 minutes to go. After he scored his third for the hat trick, he cartwheeled and backflipped towards the crowd and his teammates.

With about eight minutes left in the game, Maize had a shot on goal, but junior Jonathon Thompson got the stop.

The game was basically done with five seconds left, with Derby up 4-1. But sophomore Caleb Day scored from about midfield. 

“I hope they counted it,” Day said.

But the goal was waved off.

Burke was proud of how his seniors played during the second half, with Munoz and Self being the offensive players of the game.

“Obviously, everybody is going to look at Saul, and say ‘hey dude put three goals up in like three minutes,’ but Michael Self from his first half to his second half was probably the guy that honestly changed the game,” Burke said.

 He also named Robinette and Young defensive players of the game.

“They’ve got a good relationship and communication, Connor wins everything in the air, Matt wins everything on the ground,” Burke said.

Derby improved to 7-1

On Tuesday the Panthers play host to Kapaun Mount Carmel at 6:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium.