Lakota United Soccer Club - Lynx

The Lynx began their 2005 Spring campaign with a dominant display in the Middletown Spring Blast winning all four games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just one. In their first game the Lynx played virtually the whole first half in the STAR Tiger's territory but somehow failed to score. At the start of the first half the Tiger's first breakaway led to a goal after a goal keeping error. With the threat of thunder imminent the Lynx countered with 3 quick goals before the game was called with 8 minutes remaining. The other pool games resulted in comfortable victories; 3-0 over COSA Express (Columbus, OH) and 5-0 over Warren County Red. The Lynx faced local rivals LSC Hawks in an all Lakota final. The Lynx controlled the game, allowing the Hawks very few forays into the Lynx penalty area, on their way to a 3-0 victory.

The Lynx won their first tournament with a victory in the final of the LaRosa's Forest Park Invitational. The Lynx opened the tournament on a water logged field against the host club STAR Tigers. Despite the water limiting the Lynx's passing game, they run out comfortable 3-0 winners. The Lynx then took on the unbeaten Grosbeck Lightning and handed them their first defeat 5-2. Sunday morning began with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Beavercreek Celtics to clinch a place in the afternoon's final. The final saw a mtch up against CUSL Premier rivals Fairfield Fire. The Lynx put together a fine display of teamwork and passing, the result being a fine 5-1 victory and the teams first tournament success.

The LSO Lynx made it all the way to the final of the Arsenal Challenge Cup in their first experience of tournament play. The Lynx struggled in their first two pool games, recording a goal less draw against the Loveland Chargers and then salvaging a 2-2 draw with a last minute equalizer against Thoroughbreds (Lexington, Ky). That meant that the Lynx needed to win convincingly in their final game to progress to the final. This was achieved with a splendid 6-0 victory over Mockingbird (Louisville, Ky), the Lynx beating out Loveland on the fourth tie breaker. In the final the Lynx faced the GSE Cardinals who had easily won their bracket. The final was a thrilling game with both sides playing excellent soccer. However, the hot August weather and the greater depth of talent of the Cardinals resulted in them taking the lead with just 6 minutes of the game remaining. The Lynx threw everyone forward in a valiant effort to tie he game, but the Cardinals took a deserved 1-0 victory.

Competing in their first CUSL In-Season Tournament, the Lynx progressed to the semi finals before being eliminated. In the first round the Lynx played Northern Kentucky United. The difference in ability between the Premier and Comp 1 teams was clearly evident as the Lynx rolled to an 8-1 win. In the second round the Lynx played Premier rival Sycamore Arsenal and again won easily, this time 3-0. In the semi final the Lynx met Cincinnati Classics Hammer for the first time. The defensive minded Classics had only one shot on goal the whole game, but it went in. While the Lynx clearly had the upper hand in possession and created several clear cut scoring opportunities, hitting the woodwork twice, they could not find the net and disappointingly were eliminated 1-0.

The Lynx were eliminated in the pool stages of the MEAD CUSA Cup over the Labor Day weekend. In the first game the Lynx met the much improved MTSC Blue Streak. The Lynx started strongly, dominating the early going and taking a one goal lead. However, the Lynx lost their way in the second half, allowing MTSC to tie the game 1-1. In the second game the Lynx had their way with FC Blast (Columbus, OH) winning 7-1 and setting up a deciding match with the Strongsville Lady Mustangs. Despite only needing a draw to advance, Strongsville came out attacking and took the lead half way through the first half. The Lynx played much better in the second half, but couldn't find a way through the Strongsville defense and the game ended with the Lady Mustangs getting a deserved 1-0 victory and advancing to the semi-finals.