We are the Champions! CSM Rules in Indiana

CSM Soccer won its first tournament of the season by defeating Missouri Valley and Rockford College over the weekend in Schererville, Indiana at the Crimson Wave Invite. The invite was sponsored by Calumet College of Saint Joseph and this was the first time that we have participated in that tourney.

Missouri Valley was our first game and we started kind of slow, to be honest. Mo Valley hustled a lot and put a lot of pressure on the ball. It seemed like we didn't have very much time to do anything with the ball. After about 20 minutes, Daniela Padilla played a ball into Amanda Brabec who shot and scored her first collegiate goal. Missouri Valley bounced back about 10 minutes later with a goal of their own on a long shot that caught our keeper out of postition. We responded with a nice goal by Melissa King 12 minutes later in the 42nd minute with an assist by Kira Cross. We played better the second half and created fantastic chances--2 breakaways by Melissa King and an open goal opportunity for Sara Schwieger, but were unable to convert. The game ended 2-1 and we advanced into the finals to play Rockford College.

Rockford had beaten the hosts of the tourney 7-1 in their first game. They were staying at the same hotel that we were and I was able to talk briefly to the coach. Anyway, we started fast and finished strong in the final. Melissa King scored 5 minutes into the game (Schwieger with the assist) on a breakaway and that just opened the flood gates. Get ready...Daniela Padilla scored in the 22nd minute (assist by King,) and again in the 33rd minute (assist by Cardenas.) Ashley Turco scored her first collegiate goal on a nice cross by Kira Cross in the 42nd minute. Half time came and went and we just kept on scoring. Sara Schwieger scored in the 51st minute (Padilla assist,) and Daniella scored again (hatrick) 3 minutes later (McLaughlin with the assist.) Kira Cross finished the scoring with 2 long shots from the midfield (her first collegiate goals) that beat the keeper just under the crossbar (assists by Padilla and Arlt.) Final score 8-0.

The trophy we received was very nice--carved out of wood. Daniela Padilla was named the tournament's most valuable player. Kira Cross was voted player of the game by Rockford College. Melissa King, Tiffany Reis, Katie Archibald and Daniella were all named to the Crimsom Wave Invite All Tournament Team. I have to say it was fun winning our first tourament of the year. However, we still have a lot of work to do (coaches like to say stuff like that!;)

After the game we drove to downtown Chicago and spent time walking around, shopping, eating and talking. Coach Kim and I ran into the former AD at CSM, Kevin Lein. Kevin had just taken his son out the Cubs ballgame and was having dinner at the Navy Pier. Talk about a small world. Daniela ran into her brother and Alex saw a friend who was in the Navy. We also saw Forrest Gump. We got home safe and sound last night about 6. Leon was our bus driver and he drove good. A good trip for all.

Next up--Graceland at home, 4:00 PM on Friday, September 5 and Hastings at home, 2:00 Sunday, September 7th. Hastings and Graceland play each other on our field on the 6th at 2:00 PM.