This was game #1 for the Cards in the Clinton Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 8. It was a great game between two very good teams but the results were very disappointing for the Cardinal fans. The Cards came into the tournament 1-0 and the St. Paul Saints were 5-0. It was a classic battle with both defenses being tough as nails and both goalies doing great jobs. The Saints had the majority of the attacks and the Cardinal goalie, Tyler Gardner, handled the ball many times but the Cardinal defense never left an attack go unmarked. The game was 0-0 at the half.
The Cardinals gained more offensive presence in the second half but could not find the back of the net. With 13 minutes left in the game Wally Gregory controlled a long feed from a teammate and broke for the goal. A Raytown defender was banging Gregory step for step on a deep run to the right corner. Gregory took a deep angle shot that sliced into the left side of the net. A great shot. The good sized crowd cheered as the Cardinal players started a well deserved celebration when they noticed the off-side flag was up. I was also surprised by the call because Gregory had made a 20 yard run with the ball and with a defender on his shoulder. A tough break. The Saints kept their attacks coming and with 6:40 left in the game scored on a scramble. The Cards late attacks fell short and they lost 1-0. The Saints would go on to win the tournament.
