Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

The Panthers might just have saved their season on Wednesday.

A disappointing start to league play was suddenly looking a whole lost worse when they were facing a 3-1 second-half deficit at home to Eureka, but McKinleyville stepped up late, pulling out a thrilling 4-3 win to keep their hopes alive.

A second loss to Eureka in three games would have been difficult to overcome if the Panthers were to remain in the hunt in what is shaping up to be a competitive H-DNL race this fall.

With the dramatic win, the Panthers improved to 1-1-1 in league play.

The loss was the second straight for Eureka, which also fell at Arcata on Saturday, and leaves the Loggers 2-2 in league.

Defending champion Fortuna leads the way with a record of 4-0, while a dangerous looking Arcata is 3-1

“The league this year is the most level it’s been as far as I can remember,” McKinleyville head coach Ryne Deppe said. 

It was an impressive showing from Deppe’s players, especially in the final 20 minutes, and it was a much-needed win.

“It was absolutely crucial,” said Deppe, whose team tied at South Fork last week. “It puts us back in line where we want to be, and that’s very important.

“I was really happy with how they responded.”

Particularly Christian Gajic, who was outstanding for the Panthers, netting three of his team’s goals.

“He put the team on his back today,” Deppe said. “Other players helped, but he was just phenomenal today.”

Caleb Coke also scored in the win.

No scoring details were available for Eureka.

Eureka plays at Del Norte on Saturday, while McKinleyville travels to Arcata.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.