Bluffton boys continue soccer run after accident fells key defender
What could be a milestone season for Bluffton’s boys soccer team took a startling twist late Wednesday when Bobcats defender Kevin Pano was injured in an accident in which he was struck by a tow truck on Hilton Head Island.
Pano, a two-year starter and co-captain, suffered a broken nose, broken arm and concussion that required treatment at Hilton Head Hospital.
“He won’t play again this season,” Bobcats coach Josh Fox said Friday.
The Bobcats (21-1-1), buoyed by a visit from Pano shortly before kickoff, defeated South Aiken 3-0 at home Thursday to advance to the Class 4-A Lower State semifinals for the first time in the program’s history. Mike Chappelear, Andres Campa and Miguel Lopez did all the scoring in the final 20 minutes.
“They were a little shocked at first,” said Fox, who learned of the accident about 10 p.m. Wednesday and informed his team Thursday morning. “But Kevin’s a tough kid. They were all concerned, obviously. We’re a very close team.”
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Capt. Bob Bromage confirmed an accident with injuries involving a tow truck occurred about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Citizens Bank on Northridge Drive near William Hilton Parkway, but had no additional details.
“He’s a captain, one of our best defenders,” Fox said. “He’s a guy that’s always been there the last two or three years.”
Thursday night’s contest remained scoreless through the first half and well into the second half before Chappelear broke the deadlock. Brenden Kelly assisted on two of Bluffton’s goals, while Steven DiMaria made eight saves to record the shutout.
“We started out a little slow,” Fox said. “South Aiken moved the ball well, but we weathered the storm.”
After opening the playoffs with two home games, the Bobcats will hit the road Saturday to take on Socastee for a berth in the Lower State final.
“We’ll be OK,” Fox said. “We’re deep.”
Jeff Shain: 843-706-8123, @jeffshain
This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Bluffton boys continue soccer run after accident fells key defender."