Lakota United Soccer Club - Lynx

LUSC Premier won their first tournament since changing to the 11 a-side format at Fairfield on April 13 with a victory in the gold division of the Mid-American Soccer Classic.

With only 12 regular LUSC Premier players available for the weekend, Avalee Hagerty and Lexi Gabbard from CUSA Courage Premier guest played in the tournament.  This decision paid immediate dividends in the first game against FOSC Fire.  LUSC Premier ran out comfortable 5-0 winners with Hagerty scoring two goals in her first appearence in a LUSC uniform.  Lauren Hoover also bagged a brace of goals and Crystal Rains scored the fifth.

LUSC Premier faced Cincinnati Futbol Academy in their second game.  After falling a goal down LP had problems breaking down CFA's strong defense.  However, as she has done on numerous occasions, Lauren Hoover came to the rescue with the equalizing goal to secure a well earned draw.

Sunday morning arrived with LP needing to win by 2 goals to be certain of a place in the final.  Without the benefit of the guest players, LP went into this important game against Penns Forest (Pittsburgh, Pa) with just one substitute.  LP played their best game of the season to date against a very tough and physical opponent.  Despite having a marked advantage in possession LP could not put the ball in the Penns Forest net.  The tension grew as the game went into the final ten minutes with no score.  After Alison Dicke was fouled just outside the penalty, Lauren Hoover's well struck free kicked was bundled into the goal by Claire Webb from close range.  It wasn't pretty, but it was the break through LP needed.  Minutes later Lauren Hoover found the back of the net to guarantee LP a place in the final.

LUSC Premier played most of the final against Cincinnati West Wildfire in their opponent's end of the field.  However, LP had trouble converting their possession advantage into clear goal scoring opportunities.  Lauren Hoover came close from long range in the first half and Heather McNutt surged forward from midfield and had a powerful shot go inches wide in the second half.  However, it was the Wildfire who came closest to scoring when, on a rare attack, a cross deflected off Madison Bueter and struck the post before goal keeper Amy Dean dived on the lose ball.  Finally, after 59 minutes of deadlock, Hoover picked up a loose ball on the right wing, cut inside a couple of Wildfire defenders and lashed home the winning goal.

LUSC Premier took first place in the Mid-American Soccer Classic Gold Division on April 13 with a 1-0 victory over Cincinnati West Wildfire in the final.

LUSC Premier will practice at Jim Dean's house on Mondays and at VOA on Wednesdays through April and May.  Practices will be from 6:45 pm to dark.

Additionally, LUSC Premier will be holding additional practice sessions with LUSC DoC Brian Paige on most Saturdays during the season.  Check the team calendar for times and locations.

LUSC Premier currently will now be participating in four tournaments this Spring. 

Cincinnati Spring Thaw Out, March 15-16

Mid-American Spring Classic, April 12-13

Ohio South State Cup

adidas Warrior Classic, May 24-26

 

LUSC Premier's struggles with the 11 v 11 format continued as the team lost all three games at the OP Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.

Saturday saw LP soundly beaten 5-0 by both Cleveland United and Beading FC (Pittsburgh, PA).  The sole highlight from the first day was a penalty save by Kristyn "Shrimpy" Hatke.

Sunday saw a much improved performance against FC Phoenix.  After falling behind early in the game, LP started to create some offense and just before half time a great individual effort by Lauren Hoover tied the game at 1-1.  At the start of the second half FC Phoenix created numerous scoring opprtunities.  Only some heroics from goal keeper Katie Mueller and poor finishing by FC Phoenix kept LP within one goal.  LP finally found some offensive rythmn in the final minutes and came close to scoring on three occasions.  Crystal Rains' non-stop efforts up front were rewarded when she was fouled in the peanlty area.  Unfortunately, she was unable to convert the spot kick.  Moments later Claire Webb got behind the Phoenix defense and her well struck shot went inches wide of the near post.  Then, just before the final whistle, Hoover created some space for herself, only to see her shot clatter against the cross bar.