Nobody should tell Emily Smith that she can't do something.

Not even Emily Smith.

Smith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee for the second time last year, making her doubt whether she would be able to play soccer again for A&M Consolidated.

"I thought I was going to be done playing soccer," Smith said. "I thought there was no way I was going to be able to do it again."

That proved plenty of motivation for the senior forward, who has returned from rehab to lead the Lady Tigers in scoring with 11 goals this season.

"She is extremely competitive," Consol coach Stoney Pryor said. "She's in her own league as far as her drive."

Consol (9-5, 4-0) will enter the first round of this year's Crosstown Showdown tied with Belton for first place in District 12-5A.

Life at the top suits Smith, who carries a 4.3 grade point average and ranks 21st in a class of more than 600.

"I'm very competitive-natured," Smith said. "I like to win, and I like to do the best I can. That's just how I am."

Despite two knee surgeries, Smith may be Consol's fastest player. She was a sprinter on the track team as a freshman before suffering her first knee injury during a club soccer match in the fall of her sophomore year.

Smith sometimes creates a one-player rush, using her speed to pressure defenders and punish goal keepers.

"With her speed, she's dangerous," Pryor said. "She's clever about when it's a good time to knock the cover off the ball and when it's a good time to be patient and slide it past the goalie."

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NOTES -- Smith's knee injuries made her question whether she wants to try college soccer or concentrate on academics. She would like to attend Texas A&M and major in accounting or another business field, with an eye toward earning an MBA. ... Bryan (10-5-1, 2-2) is fourth in the district standings entering the 7 p.m. Friday game at Tigerland Stadium. The Lady Vikings have never beaten Consol, although the programs have played to a few ties. "It's always been an intense game," Pryor said. "Their program has made strides. It's going to be a competitive match." ... Smith is involved in the youth group at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and enjoys community service projects. Smith said her friends in the youth group helped her deal with the knee injuries and rehab.

CROSSTOWN SOCCER

Girls

Bryan (10-5-1, 2-2) at A&M Consolidated (9-5, 4-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Tigerland Stadium

Boys

A&M Consolidated (7-7, 4-0) at Bryan (2-8-1, 2-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Merrill Green Stadium