In soccer, a goal is a goal is a goal. Still, some goals are more impressive than others.

Take Ashley Daniels’ game-winning score in Olathe Northwest’s 1-0 victory over Lawrence High on Thursday afternoon at the rainy, wind-swept Youth Sports Inc. fields.

Fifteen minutes in, Daniels was awarded a direct free kick about 30 yards from the LHS goal. The Olathe Northwest junior launched the ball high in the air where it was picked up by the gusty wind and came almost straight down between Shannon Fisher, the Lions’ goalkeeper, and the goal mouth.

Fisher was helpless because the ball was over her head before it bounced into the netting.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Fisher, a senior. “Give her credit. She made a beautiful shot.”

Lawrence High co-coach Matt Makens concurred.

“I was very surprised it went in,” Makens said, “but it was a great shot.”

When the Lions had the wind in the second half, they spent most of their time in the Ravens’ end of the field, but numerous shots on goal were either off-target or stopped by Northwest’s net-minder.

“We played a really good game,” Fisher said. “We really wanted it. Too bad we couldn’t have gotten a win.”

Lawrence High's Megan Johnson, left, passes around Olathe Northwest's Erin Perkins. The Lions lost, 1-0, Thursday at the Youth Sports Inc. fields.

Lawrence High went into this one with a chance. The Lions had recorded only one win in their previous eight starts, but Northwest, a first-year school, had been struggling, too, with a 1-5-1 record. The Ravens have just two seniors on their roster.

“This was one of our top games,” Makens said. “We battled back from the rain delay and played well.”

With 7:23 remaining in the first half, referee Jim LaPoint called a halt when lightning was spotted south of the YSI complex. Play resumed, however, about 15 minutes later. The first part of the second half was played in a steady rain which let up with about 18 minutes remaining.

However, the blustery wind was constant throughout.

“In the first half, when they had the wind, our focus was on defense,” Makens said. “In the second half, we shifted more to offense, but they had a very good keeper, and we couldn’t get it in.”

Lawrence High fell to 1-8 overall and 1-5 in the Sunflower League. Meanwhile, Northwest recorded its first-ever league soccer victory. The Ravens are 1-3-1 in league play and 2-5-1 overall.