November 20, 2011 - The LMSC Panthers attended the Bethesda Thanksgiving College Showcase and in their first game on the Friday they faced the well respected NJSA 04 Highland Union. After some nervous play from both teams in the first half the Panthers the score was level at 0-0. Early in the second half the Panthers conceded a goal and this proved to be the spark the Panthers needed and the team worked incredibly hard to get back in the game. After some physical midfield play and a nice through ball to the forward line, some fearless play from Sam Stein saw the ball break lose to an open Bobby Kane who calmly slotted the equalizing goal in the goal between two Highland defenders. A few minutes later, after some sustained Panther pressure Kevin Lawson took a very long direct free kick which deceived the Highland goalkeeper and ended up in the back of the net to give the Panthers a 2-1 victory.

The Panthers game on Saturday was against Ramapo Valley SC Tornados 95 and the Panthers dominated the game with some entertaining play and some very strong defense but were unable to find the back of the net so a 0-0 tie was the final result. This left the Panthers needing a victory in their final game on Sunday.

Sunday morning brought about a very important and deciding game vs. Toronto Lynx SC Juniors. With the previous game that morning seeing NJSA Highland Union defeating Ramapo 2-0, the Panthers were in need of a victory to secure top spot and the tournament Championship. From the first whistle the Panthers took the game to Toronto and the Panthers played some fierce team defense with some very attractive midfield and attacking play. Multiple chances went begging in the first half before the Panthers’ left fullback, Alex Buckmann joined a Panther attack and after a set up touch with his left foot from just inside the box he unleashed an unstoppable shot with his right foot into the left side of the goal to give the Panthers a deserved 1-0 lead. The second half saw the Panthers bringing wave upon wave of attacks and firmly kept the pressure on Toronto until Chris Martin broke from the midfield, out muscled the Toronto defenders and calmly placed the ball over the onrushing Toronto goalkeeper to make it 2-0 to the Panthers which crowned them the 2011 Bethesda Thanksgiving College Showcase Champions!