The Cardinals took the field with confidence and determination on Monday as they faced off with the top-seeded Bolivar Liberators. The district semifinal was a match that none of these players had seen in their careers. The pre game tension was palpable.
Our players came with game faces (and hairdos) that showed their determination to make a fight of it. And fight they did. Bolivar scored early to take a 1-0 lead, but the first 20 minutes of the game, Webb City would possess the ball on their attacking half for the majority. We got their attention with a couple of effective attacks but were unable to finish. The Liberators would score two more before the end of the half.
The second half saw a Cardinals squad that would not give up. Our attacks became more frequent, but possession was not as prominent. What looked like good thru-passes were constantly broken up by a stellar Bolivar defense led by Senior "Toad" Slagle. Despite our best efforts, we could not penetrate. The Liberators landed one more goal early in the second half, but several incredible saves by keeper Thomas Foster would keep it from being a total rout. The final score was 4-0 Liberators.
The game was hard fought and the Cardinals left the field with heads held high. They had persevered through a very tough season and finished together. Only one team gets to finish their season with a win. Some just get to play a little longer than others. But taking into account the difficulties that this team has seen, a 12-12 season is a victory. And while the seniors will be dearly missed as they move on to the next stage of their lives, the 9 remaining starters as well as 8 other young players with varsity experience look forward to next season.
The Liberators will play the #6 Marshfield Blue Jays Thursday afternoon for the championship, and we wish luck to both teams as they advance.
