Lakota United Soccer Club - Lynx

After consecutive runner up finishes at the Arsenal Challenge Cup in 2004 & 2005 the Lynx proved that "third time's a charm" by winning the final in 2006.
The opening game saw the Lynx record a 2-1 victory over SC Alliance (Sidney, OH).  Although the Lynx dominated possession for the entire game, they struggled to find the back of the Shelby County net.  Lauren Hoover gave the the Lynx an early lead, but a defensive lapse allowed SC Alliance to equalize just before half time.  After the break, the Lynx squandered several goal scoring opportunities before a fine individual effort from Makinna Patrick resulted in the game winner.
Both teams suffered in the stifling heat in the Indy Burn game.  Cailyn Wachtel pounced on a Claire Webb through ball to give the Lynx an early lead.  However, Indy Burn struck back and the teams went into half time tied at one each.  The game remained tied until the Lynx got a lucky break when Lauren Heger returned a goalie punt from 40 yards for a goal.  However, there was nothing lucky about the third goal.  Lauren Hoover crossed a free kick from outside the penalty area and Katie Mueller applied a glancing header past the stunned Indy Burn defense, making the final score was 3-1.
The game against Warren County Blue followed a similar pattern in the first half, with the Lynx playing excellent defense, controlling possession, but struggling to finish.  However, in the second half the Lynx offense clicked with goals from Wachtel, Hoover, Heather McNutt & Rachel Gary.  The final score was comfortable 4-0 win.
Having lost in the final for two consecutive years the Lynx were determined to go one better this time around.  To provide even further incentive, the Lynx played the reigning CUSL Premier champions Cincinnati Classics Hammer.  The Lynx produced maybe their most impressive 50 minutes of soccer to date.  Amy Dean, Madison Bridges, Rachel Gary and Heather McNutt played outstanding team defense, not allowing the Classics an open shot on goal the whole game.  Keeper Brooke Mauro commanded the penalty area, quickly gathering up any balls played into it.  Lauren Heger, Kristyn Hatke and Claire Webb won the battle in midfield, using the possession gained to launch numerous attacks.  Up front, Cailyn Wachtel, Lauren Hoover, Makinna Patrick and Katie Mueller created many goal scoring opportunities, but couldn't quite break down the stubborn Classics defense.  The coaches were preparing for over time when McNutt released Hoover with a great through ball.  Lauren faked right, cut left past the last defender and drove the ball past the keeper.  Twenty seconds later the final whistle blew and the Lynx had broken their ACC jinx.