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The Columbus Cardinals' soccer team has come out with a lot of energy in recent games as they have found a lot of goals as well as an ability to prevent chances by their opponents. Those same trends stayed true throughout their run through the Rice-hosted varsity tournament. The Cards had some strong games as they won every game of the pool play section of the tournament. They made it all the way to the Championship game, but they were defeated in a tight match against Hempstead to claim the second-place spot.
Vs Houston Harmony, W, 2-1
The Cards had a strong start offensively to begin their tournament run. They battled through a tight first half as each team came away with one goal apiece. Freshman Jesus Mendoza knocked in the first goal for the Cards as the teams played each other to an even first half. The second half was also a close affair as the teams struggled to get much forward momentum. The game came down to a vital strike by Tomas Elias to decide the game. The Cards maintained their lead for the rest of the second half as they went on to claim the victory.
Vs Hempstead, W, 1-0
Columbus took the advantage over Hempstead in their first meeting of the tournament. Both teams struggled to score as they battled through a tight defensive game. Tomas Elias buried the decidiing goal in the second half to earn the win.
Vs Houston Harmony, W, 1-0
The Cards second matchup with Houston Harmony went in their favor as the teams played out a defensive battle that came down to one finaal strike by Javier Mendoza in the second half to score the winning goal. Columbus had their share of chances despite getting just the single goal. The Cards fired off six, on-target attempts as they kept the pressure up against the Bobcats. Columbus had to withstand some pressure themselves as Carson Beettner finished with three saves while in goal.
Vs Hempstead, L, 2-1
The Championship game was another intense affair as Hempstead forced the Cards to withstand more offensive pressure than Columbus had dealt within any ofh the tourney's prior games. Carson Beettner had an outstanding eight saves as they dealt with the constant attack by their opponents. Hempstead found two goals as a result of their pressure on the defense. Columbus cut into the lead with a goal from Tomas Elias, along with 10 total shots on goal. Despite their own offensive pressure the Cards were not able to create another goal to tie the game and send it into a penalty kick shootout situation.
