Green Dragons Drop Heartbreaker To 'Cats

A mosh pit of players fighting for possession of the soccer ball was the difference in a win or a loss for the Lake Placid Green Dragons boys soccer squad on Tuesday.

The muddled collection of boys fought for position, and with the game hanging in the balance for both teams, the ball found its way into the net - but the boys in orange were the ones raising their arms in celebration, as the Class 4A Hardee Wildcats defeated Class 3A Lake Placid 1-0 in the opening match of the season for the Green Dragons.

Lake Placid controlled the action for most of the match, using a combination of speed and great passing skills to keep Hardee on its heels and create numerous scoring opportunities.

The only problem is that none of those scoring chances led to goals on the scoreboard, due to the 'Cats stiff net defense.

The score could have been higher for Hardee, if not for a great play by Green Dragon defender Daniel Flores.

A rebound in front of the LP goal was cleared by Flores, who made a sliding kick that kept the game scoreless in the first half.

After going 3-11 last season, the Green Dragons looked to be much improved against a Hardee squad that was 13-2-4 last season, but was upset by the Sebring Blue Streaks 1-0 in the district semifinals.
Great communication and picture-perfect passes, not to mention speed, should be a perfect recipe for success this season for LP.

"The kids have been working hard and have had great attitudes," Green Dragon coach Josh Virkler said. "We have a lot of talent and ability and we just need to get some matches under our belts."
Lake Placid's is off until Nov. 13, when they host the Avon Park Red Devils at Roger Scarborough Stadium at 7:30 p.m.