Cards compete, fall short in Bi-District playoff round

NEEDVILLE – The Columbus Cardinals’ soccer team travelled into enemy territory to take on the Needville Bluejays in the first round of the UIL state playoffs. The Cards went up against an imposing opponent as the Jays’ mix of high-pressure defense and ability to keep possession of the ball led to a championship in their district. The Cards witnessed how difficult those factors were to deal with in real time as the Bluejays scored a goal in each half to take the 2-0 victory.

The Cards competed well despite the final result on the scoreboard. The game was locked at 0-0 for much of the first half before Needville secured a goal with less than 10 minutes remaining. Columbus battled in the second half, creating more chances in front of the goal to try to tie the game at one goal each. However, Columbus struggled to hold possession because of the Bluejays’ pressing defense, and they struggled to get possession of the ball back because of Needville’s individual dribbling and passing amongst their attacking line. These elements led to Needville scoring the second goal of the game in the second half and holding on to the lead for the victory.