OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — When it comes to girls' soccer, Overland Park is home to some of the very best — at least, according to the Top Drawer Soccer national poll.
The Blue Valley Southwest Timberwolves are ranked 20th in the country, according to the May 7 ranking, and the Blue Valley North Mustangs are ranked 21st.
"If people from the outside look at the Kansas City metro area, we're known for girls' soccer," BV Southwest coach Erik Jones said. "I would put the amount of talent we have against anybody in the country."
He'd know. The Timberwolves are the two-time reigning Kansas Class 5A state champions and will be looking to win its third in a row seeking a three-peat later this month.
[GALLERY: Meet the BV Southwest girls' soccer team]
North, which is led by a first-year coach, is hungry and making a big impression.
"I just ask for them to just enjoy the ride, because it does go real quick," Mustangs coach Bryan Turner said.
[GALLERY: Meet the BV North girls' soccer team]
Girls from both teams said chemistry and competitive fire make them a threat on the pitch.
"We are very aggressive," BV Southwest's Cassie Forcellini said. "It's just because we really, really want to win."
The intra-district rivalry also helps fuel both teams.
"It's really great to have great competition really close to each other and so many competitive athletes in this area," BV North's Lexy Farrington said.
