Cardinals suffer first district loss in soccer

Two teams undefeated in district soccer action played Monday, February 6, at Larry Ward Stadium in Bridge City. The Cardinals suffered their first loss in district 4-1 to the Lumberton Raiders. Bridge City is 10-2 on the season, 3-1 in district action, and trail first place Lumberton by one game in the standings.

The first half was scoreless but there were some good opportunities for both teams. Three minutes into the game the Raiders actual had a two on one break that led to a shot on goal which Cardinal goalkeeper Sebastian Sandino made a fine save. Sandino later saved a shot from a free kick that was well struck by the Raider player.

Bridge City's Jagger Carlin received a pass in the penalty box which he headed that the Lumberton keeper had to grab about 12 minutes into the first half. It was the Cardinals' best chance to score in the first forty minutes.

Sandino was stellar in the latter portion of the first half making at least three quality saves including a diving stop on a Raider shot in the last minute to keep the score tied at zero.

Early in the second half the Cardinals applied pressure and forced a foul by Lumberton in the penalty box. Hudson Campbell drilled the penalty kick into the lower right hand corner of the net, and Bridge City took a 1-0 lead with two minutes played in the half.

Lumberton had three solid kicks from somewhat long range that Sandino made good saves. Carlin had another good chance when he took a shot from about thirty yards out which the Raider goalkeeper made his best save of the night.

The momentum turned for Lumberton about 14 minutes into the second half. A couple of good passes resulted in a Raider getting an open shot that he got past Sandino for a goal. The Raiders then got a breakaway which they converted into a second goal to take the lead 2-1 at the 25 minute mark.

Two late goals were scored by Lumberton. The second on a penalty kick with less than a minute to play to make the final score 4-1 in favor of the Raiders. The next game for the Cardinals is Friday at Little Cypress Mauriceville.

The Bridge City Cardinals extended their previous winning streak to nine games with two wins last week. Monday night, January 30, the Cardinals defeated Bob Hope 2-0 in Bridge City. In the first half Nate Stafford scored the first goal of the game assisted by Evan Jackson.

A beautiful assist from Abraham Munguia set up the second Bridge City. Hudson Campbell took Munguia's pass and put the ball in the back of the net.

Defensive standouts for the Cardinals were Jagger Carlin, Valentin Chavez, and the entire back line for Bridge City. Goalkeeper Sebastian Sandino preserved the shutout with a solid performance.

Moving to Friday the Cardinals traveled to Vidor. Bridge City won again 4-2 over the Pirates.

The Cardinals were sparked by an early goal from Nate Stafford. Abraham Munguia scored to give Bridge City a 2-1 lead at the half.

Hudson Campbell of the Cardinals scored two second half goals. The first goal by Campbell was on a penalty kick. The entire Bridge City defense gave a great effort to secure the victory.

In other soccer action last week the Little Cypress Mauriceville Lady Bears lost 6-2 to Vidor and 5-0 to Lumberton. The Vidor Lady Pirates also defeated the Bridge City Lady Cardinals 7-1.

The Little Cypress Mauriceville Bears lost on Friday, February 3, to Lumberton 4-0. The Vidor Pirates scored late to win 2-1 on Tuesday, January 31, at Little Cypress Mauriceville.