? Final from Lex Cath's Lady Knights Challenge Cup. 

Congratulations Bluebirds, nice win!

We're sure to read a great recap by the intrepid @FrankNicodemus, meanwhile - game stats: 

Highlands

Notre Dame

The score was pretty indicative of the game. Highlands scored about 2 minutes in on a misplayed ball back by NDA. NDA tied it with about 15 minutes left in the first. Highlands regained the lead about 3 minutes later on a shot at the top of the box. NDA had a nice chance to even it with about 5 minutes left in the first but hit the post. First half I would say Highlands had a slight advantage in possession and opportunities. Second half was heavily controlled if not dominated by Highlands. It was 3-1 within 10 minutes then 4-1 about 5 minutes later. Highlands was quicker, more technical and far more physical (in the right way.) they were by far the better team. Work to do for the Pandas over the next two weeks. 

O what a Night!!!

It was a beautiful evening for a great night of soccer to be played in the L-E-X.  The players had not even gained a sweat before Reese Wilkens was able to grab a misplayed ball and drive a nice far post strike in the back of the net, 1-0 Birds.  From then it was a highly contested match in the middle of the field with the players trying to work things out and make things happen.  The Pandas finally got it into the Birds box, seemed to have some marking confusion and the Pandas capitalized with Hannah Holocher receiving a pass from Jane Schuh to tie things up at 1 a piece.

The next attack was a nice oops type of goal, but as Gretzky would say you miss 100% of the shots that you don't take.  Y Gorrigan lifts a lob wedge into the box that carried over the goalkeepers hands....It seemed like the keeper was able to get finger nails on it but not enough to stop the balls momentum to continue into the back of the net.  Birds 2 Pandas 1.

As @Legacy26states the Pandas had a really good opportunity to maybe tie it up once again with a sweet shot that crushed the right post!  I thought it was going to go in but just missed it by hitting the post and bouncing 30 yards back into the field.

That is how the half ended.....2-1

The second half the Birds were definitely the aggressor.  Laney Smith was able to carve up the defense into the box and then she found herself more outside right and then turned her hips to deliver a sweet cross thru the box where a sprinting C Cavacini was there to pop in the Birds 3rd goal of the night.

I think this might have been the crushing blow b/c I really didn't see the Pandas really doing much after this.  

The icing on the cake final goal of the evening was Laney Smith delivering a nice free kick around 40 yards out dropping a dime into the box where R Wilkens was there to drill in the final blow of the evening (Reese's 2nd of the night).

Birds 4-1....

I don't want any billboard material for the upcoming battles, I realize this was just 1 battle in potentially a set of 3.....I think the NDA and HHS fan base only really cares about that potential Regional matchup at the end of the day, but for these 80 minutes that these girls battled.....it was a nice boost of confidence for the Birds to come away with such a sweet win in L-E-X.

Until next time.......which will be at Tower Park on Monday, Sept 25th......GO BIRDS!!!!!

Maybe some of these other Polls will show the Birds some R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!  I'm keeping receipts!