For the past several seasons, a dark cloud has fixed itself over the girls’ soccer team at Mehlville Senior High School.

Before the 2004 season began last month, the Panthers were a combined 22-45-10 over the past five seasons.

In fact, the Panthers had not won a game since May 13, 2002, and were riding a 13-game losing streak.

That black cloud, which seemed to taunt and frustrate the Panthers, disappeared March 22 as Mehlville handed McCluer North a 3-0 shutout.

“It’s all been kind of unexpected,” Mehlville head coach Scott Jackson told the Call.

“It’s all been about them believing in themselves.”

The Panthers (3-1) suffered their first defeat of the season in a disappointing 5-3 loss at home against Pacific.

“We hadn’t played in over a week and we came out a little flat,” Jackson explained. “Had we played the first half as well as the second half, we would have won the game.”

Mehlville found itself down 4-0 at the half until freshman striker Christy Capkovic pounded in three goals for the Panthers.

Capkovic currently leads Mehlville in scoring with six goals and one assist.

“She (Capkovic) has got such great skill and tremendous speed,” Jackson said.

The Panthers are back at home Monday as they play host to Bishop DuBourg in an evening non-conference match.

Mehlville’s showdown with DuBourg is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.