Garrard County’s postseason dreams came to an early end on Tuesday night, October 8, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Boyle County in the first round of the 45th District Tournament. Despite a strong effort from the Golden Lions, they couldn’t overcome Boyle’s attacking pressure.

The scoring opened late in the first half when Boyle's Micah Brown (#3) found the net with just under five minutes remaining, giving the Rebels a 1-0 lead. Garrard’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Slade Skeens (#1), who made an impressive 17 saves, fought hard to keep them in the game, but Boyle County’s offensive pressure continued into the second half.

Jaxson Pool (#13) doubled Boyle’s advantage with 32:10 left in the second half, and he struck again with just over seven minutes remaining to seal the result. The Rebels took 22 shots, constantly testing Garrard's defense, while the Golden Lions managed only six shots, five of which were saved by Boyle's goalkeeper and another that missed the net.

Despite the loss, Garrard County can look back on a season where they finished with a 9-8-2 record, scoring 56 goals over 19 games​​​.

The 2024 soccer season for the Garrard County Golden Lions saw a mix of highs and lows. The team's offensive and defensive efforts, along with standout individual performances, made for an exciting season despite a tough first-round loss in the district tournament.

Leading the charge on offense was Alex Young (#11), who established himself as the team’s most consistent scoring threat. Over 19 games, Young netted 25 goals, averaging 1.3 goals per game. His ability to find the back of the net kept Garrard in several close matches, and he also contributed with three assists, proving his value as both a scorer and playmaker.

Midfielder Zak Dailey (#10) was another key contributor, finishing the season with 14 goals and seven assists. Dailey’s knack for setting up his teammates while still being a scoring threat added balance to the Golden Lions' attack. Together, Young and Dailey accounted for 39 of the team's 56 total goals this season.

On the defensive end, goalkeeper Slade Skeens (#1) was nothing short of a wall in the net. Over the course of the season, he tallied 152 saves across 19 games, averaging 8 saves per game. His quick reflexes and leadership from the back kept Garrard competitive, especially in tight matches where his goal-saving efforts often proved crucial. Skeens allowed 41 goals, a reflection of the pressure he faced throughout the season but still managed to secure four clean sheets.

Other players who made notable contributions include Mason Seagraves (#14), who played a pivotal role with 15 assists, often linking up with Young and Dailey to drive the team’s offense. Dylan Tsunoda (#24) and Jackson Kearney (#30) each added crucial goals and assists at key moments, further solidifying Garrard's team play over the season.

Defensively, Lucas Wilson (#15) and Stephen Morris (#5) played crucial roles in shielding Skeens from opposing attacks, while contributing two goals and several assists between them. Their combined efforts helped keep Garrard’s defense structured and competitive throughout the season.

Though the season ended with a 3-0 defeat to Boyle County in the district tournament, the Golden Lions displayed grit and determination throughout the year. The chemistry between the attacking players and the resolute defense helped Garrard score 56 goals while conceding 41, proving that the team was capable of competing with some of the best in the region.

Later in the evening Lincoln County defeated Danville by a score of 3 to 2 and will go on to face Boyle County in the 45th District Championship. Both Lincoln and Boyle have now secured a position in the regional tournament with their wins in the first round.