Some things looked better for Porters Chapel Academy as it opened its second season of high school soccer on Monday.

The Eagles scored a goal, something they didn’t do until late in their inaugural season. They played solid defense in some spots, and got decent play from their goal keeper.

In the end, the result was the same as in every other game they’ve ever played. But there was also reason to be optimistic after a 7-1 loss to Central Hinds in the season-opener.

&#8220We’re in better shape. We’re staying at home better, not playing up a lot,” said freshman forward Jason Greer, who scored PCA’s only goal on Monday. &#8220We kept the ball out of the middle and made them go around.”

Ben Spears scored three goals and Adam Maxwell netted two for Central Hinds (1-0) in a game that was never in doubt. The Cougars scored four goals in the first 12 minutes of the first half and three more in the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second.

Ethan Brown and Casey Upton also had goals for Central Hinds, while Hunter Gardner had two assists and Upton and Hunter Holiday had one apiece.

Central Hinds outshot PCA 39-3, with PCA keeper Derrick Reiber making 17 saves. The highlight of the day for PCA was Greer’s goal late in the first half. He took a corner kick that was dropped by Central Hinds’ keeper and fell across the goal line to cut it to 4-1.

For most teams, it would be a meaningless goal in a miserable loss. For a team that lost every game and scored one goal all of last season – yet still made the playoffs because of a tiebreaker – it was a reason to celebrate.

&#8220I thought I was going to die. I thought, ‘Oh my god, I just scored,’” Greer said.

The Eagles hope there is more to celebrate as the season goes on. Senior midfielder Evan Rogers joked that their goal for the year is to score two goals, or better yet, one in every game. If all goes well, they might even win a game.

It will be difficult. PCA is a co-ed team that plays most of its games against boys-only teams. Eleven of the 21 players on the roster are also sophomores or younger, putting them at a disadvantage against more experienced teams.

Even so, the upbeat attitude the Eagles showed during and after Monday’s loss should guarantee that the team has fun with the season, if not a lot of success.

&#8220We might win two,” Rogers said, &#8220if we play the same person twice.”