Cards win Rice Tournament

The Columbus Cardinals have hit the ground running this soccer season, picking up a tournament championship hosted by the Rice Raiders.

The Cardinals took down the Harmony School of Discovery Tigers, the Yoakum Bulldogs twice and then finally the Caldwell Hornets in the finals.

Vs. Harmony School of Discovery, W, 1-0

The first game of the tournament set the tone for the Cardinals on the defensive side.

The Cards scored eight goals throughout the tournament while giving up zero. The Cards played somewhat conservatively in the first game of the tournament.

Both teams’ defenses came ready to play and offense was very few and far between in this game. The Cards were able to find a soft spot in the Tigers defense though and break the scoreless tie.

They continued to play strong defense and secured their first win of the tournament.

Vs, Yoakum, W, 2-0

In their first match up of the tournament, the Cardinals and Bulldogs spared the formality with one another, like rivals do, and jumped right into the game.

The Cardinals defense again showed up big in game number two of the tournament, but they were able to find the back of the net a little bit more. Scoring two goals in the contest the Cardinals knew they would have to stand strong on defense if they were going to win.

The Bulldogs and Cardinals know they must play in games against one another until the final buzzer, or they may watch a win turn into an embarrassing loss. The Cards continued to make stop after stop until the final buzzer sounded where they found themselves in a semi-final match up with the Bulldogs.

Vs, Yoakum, W, 1-0

In perhaps their toughest game of the tournament the Cardinals once again were taking on their district rivals.

With a spot in the championship game on the line, the two teams were vicious in their pursuit for victory. The teams went back-and-forth for much of the game as the fans’ anxiety began to build, and their cheers grew louder.

Both teams fought tooth and nail to maintain possession of the ball and finally someone broke through. A sea of red and white erupted as they belted out a cheer as the Cardinals were the ones to break the scoreless tie yet again in this tournament.

Once again, the Cards reverted to their defensive game plan and shutout the Bulldogs on their way to the championship game.

Vs, Caldwell, W, 4-0

After playing defense all tournament long the Cardinals offense exploded in the championship game scoring four goals.

The offense played fast and just outran Caldwell in the championship game all the while they continued to make plays on defense to hoist the trophy at the end of the game.

The Cards now look ahead to their next game, which is their first district game against the Hallettsville Brahmas on their home field on Jan. 23.