Lady Aces edge Lady Panthers in shootout again

September 12, 2018 | 3:21 am

Updated September 12, 2018 | 3:21 am

Owensboro Catholic edges Daviess County for the second time this year in a shootout. | Photo by Ryan Richardson

For the second time this season, the Owensboro Catholic girls soccer team took Daviess County all the way to a shootout before they were able to come away with a 2-1 win.

Tuesday’s game was much like the first meeting, when both sides managed only a single goal in a regulation that was largely played in the middle third of the field. Both games even came down to the fourth round of the shootout.

With a 3-1 lead in penalty shots, Lily Moore converted the fourth kick to seal the win for the Lady Aces (7-1-1, 5-0 District 9), ensuring them the top spot in the district tournament. Daviess County (4-4-1, 3-2) will be the number two seed.

OCHS head coach Kelli Brannock said she was glad her girls played from start to finish — something they haven’t quite been able to do so far. Still, their work isn’t over yet.

“I asked them to focus on the behaviors we’ve been working on and to play all 80 minutes, and tonight they actually played all 90 minutes of soccer,” Brannock said. “It’s the first time, and I’m very proud of them. They were determined and it was a great soccer game, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Neither team was able to control possession, but it was OCHS that struck first with a goal by Moore 18 minutes into the second half. She was running up the right side, but cut left just outside the box to receive a pass from Izzy Stanfield. Moore punched it to the far side, where the ball bounced off the left post and in for the score.

Moore said it was a team effort that led them to victory, as the Lady Aces were missing a couple of key players to injury.

“Our other players stepped up so well,” she said. We had players hurt today, but everyone played hard.”

The lead held until 8:54 left in regulation, when Meredith Campbell scored the only goal for the Lady Panthers. Campbell beat her defender to create enough separation for a shot that she lofted just high enough to go over the goalkeeper’s hands.

Each team threatened once more in overtime but couldn’t convert, more a testament to strong defenses than lack of offense. Moore said knowing the opposition so well makes the playing field even for each side.

“Both teams are so good,” she said. “We know each other so well because we’ve grown up playing with each other. Every game is so nerve racking. You have to give (DCHS) credit, they come out playing hard every time.”

Brannock said she’s obviously happy her team came out on top, but it was a good contest on both ends of the field.

“It was an enjoyable win, and they fought hard,” she said. “They put everything into it, and you’ve got to be proud of them all — both teams.”

The Lady Aces now move on to play Thursday at Evansville Memorial in a game that was rained out Saturday. The Lady Panthers also cross the border Thursday for a meeting with Evansville North.

September 12, 2018 | 3:21 am

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