Daviess County junior Silas Goebel

OWENSBORO, KY — Daviess County found the back of the net twice and held off a second-half push from Ohio County to earn a 2-1 victory Saturday night at Deer Park Elementary School Field.

The Panthers struck first in the eighth minute, taking advantage of an aggressive play from the Ohio County goalkeeper.

With the keeper coming off his line to clear a ball near the edge of the 18-yard box, Silas Goebel, a junior, collected the opportunity and sent a long strike from roughly 30 yards into the open net.

Daviess County carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Ohio County responded in the second half, finding the equalizer in the 59th minute. No. 10 finished the chance to pull the game even at 1-1.

The Panthers, however, answered with one of the night’s most memorable sequences.

In the 71st minute, Daviess County set up for a free kick with three players positioned over the ball. The first two players made runs as if they were going to take the kick, forcing the defense to react without actually touching the ball.

The third Panther then stepped in and started the play, sending the ball forward to a teammate. From there, Daviess County quickly moved it again before the final player delivered a shot over the Ohio County goalkeeper and into the net.

Atley Thompson, a sophomore, was credited with the goal, striking a volley into the side netting to put Daviess County back in front, 2-1.

Ohio County had opportunities to respond, but Daviess County protected the lead over the final minutes to secure the victory.

The Panthers’ two goals came from two very different situations — an opportunistic 30-yard finish in the first half and a creatively executed set piece in the second.

Daviess County improved to 4-1-1, while Ohio County fell to 1-3-1.

Final: Daviess County 2, Ohio County 1.