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Highlands Today

LP Closes Out With Victory

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Avon Park’s Julie Lamb eyes the ball as she attempts a bicycle shot during the second half against the Green Dragons on Thursday.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: January 12, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Goalies are often across the field when their teams score and usually miss out on the celebration.

But in her last game at home, Lake Placid senior keeper Sydney Stewart got a little taste of what it was like to battle for position and see the ball hit the back of the net after she scored two goals within two minutes in the second half of the Green Dragons 6-0 victory over cross-county rival Avon Park at Roger Scarborough Stadium on Thursday.

"This was the most amazing moment of my soccer career," Stewart said. "I'm still in disbelief. I wanted to score at least one goal before my career was done and God gave me two of them."

Stewart's first goal came moments into the second half, when a pass from Erica Resendiz found her in single coverage. Some nice footwork and a shot from the left side found the net and a priceless expression came across her face as her teammates swarmed her.

That scene would play out yet again moments later, when Resendiz hit a hard shot that was deflected and Stewart was in the right place at the right time for her second goal.

What made the goals more special for Stewart — who was a four-year starter in goal for Lake Placid — was that they came in the final regular season game in front of the home fans.

"It's a moment I'll never forget," Stewart said. "But I'm telling you that it's hard going up and down the field and playing offense and defense."

The Green Dragons pounced on the undermanned Avon Park squad early, with Resendiz scoring two goals in the first half for a 2-0 halftime lead and Lake Placid kept the pressure on for the full 80 minutes.

Lake Placid's Brenna DeHart and Ale Lopez accounted for the other goals for the Green Dragons.

"They jumped on us early, and I think we were a little tired in the second half," said Avon Park's Julie Lamb. "They picked up the pace and we seemed to be running in place at times."

Avon Park started the season with 52 girls on a varsity and junior varsity squads, but the Devils are now down to just 14 at the end of the regular season with no JV team.

"This is the team that wants to be Red Devils," said Avon Park head coach Greg Thacker.

The young Avon Park team, which is made up of many junior varsity players still learning the game, were no match against the seasoned Green Dragon team, who peppered the Red Devil goalies with shots.

The Green Dragons are seeded third in the Class 3A-District 10 tournament, which begins on Tuesday, when Lake Placid hosts No. 2 seed McKeel Academy at 7:30 p.m.

"We match up really well against McKeel," said Lake Placid head coach Liz Sottile. "The girls just have to step up and play like I know they can. I'm hoping that the weather is good and the home field will work to our advantage."

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