OWENSBORO, KY — Seven goals, two multi-goal scorers and an attacking performance that grew stronger after halftime made Saturday’s District 9 matchup at Dale Poole Field a memorable contest between Owensboro High School and Owensboro Catholic.

The Owensboro Devils came away with a 5-2 victory, using a pair of goals from Filip Smekal and Musa Iddi to create separation in a game that featured scoring from both sides.

Owensboro struck first when Valor Smith connected with Smekal for a goal with 29:39 on the clock in the first half. Catholic answered through Owen Brey, who finished a chance set up by Andrew Bailey at 17:10, bringing the score level and keeping the pressure on the Devils.

Owensboro responded before the break. Smekal turned provider this time, setting up Iddi for a goal at 11:41 and giving the Devils a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

The second half brought another gear from Owensboro.

With 39:18 on the clock, Iddi set up Peter Mbayo to extend the lead. The two reversed roles at 32:26, with Mbayo assisting Iddi for his second goal of the afternoon. The quick succession of goals gave the Devils breathing room and put them in control of the match.

Smekal added his second goal at 20:06, finishing a play created by Japheti Bavento to make it 5-1.

Catholic continued to push, and Bailey helped create another scoring opportunity for the Aces. His assist found Isaac Self, who scored at 14:33 to bring Catholic to two goals. The Aces had an answer on the scoreboard, but Owensboro’s second-half production had already established the difference.

Smekal and Iddi finished with two goals and an assist apiece, combining for 10 points. Mbayo contributed a goal and an assist, while Smith and Bavento each recorded an assist. For Catholic, Brey and Self scored, and Bailey assisted on both goals.

Catholic goalkeeper Jace Obermeier recorded 11 saves despite allowing five goals, keeping the Aces in the contest with a busy afternoon in goal.

The result gives Owensboro momentum heading into another District 9 matchup, with the Devils set to host Daviess County on Monday night at Dale Poole Field.

SNAPSHOT

FINAL
Owensboro 5, Owensboro Catholic 2

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL
Filip Smekal: 2 goals, 1 assist
Musa Iddi: 2 goals, 1 assist
Peter Mbayo: 1 goal, 1 assist
Valor Smith: 1 assist
Japheti Bavento: 1 assist

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC
Owen Brey: 1 goal
Isaac Self: 1 goal
Andrew Bailey: 2 assists
Jace Obermeier: 11 saves

NEXT UP
Owensboro vs. Daviess County
Monday, October 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Dale Poole Field