Cards bow out early from State Soccer

The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura boys soccer team made school history this season with its first ever trip to the State Soccer Tournament.  It wasn’t the ending the Cardinals had hoped for at the State tournament, but they can hold their heads high for a valiant effort.

Davenport-Assumption, the third-seeded team at the tournament, defeated GHV, 6-0, on Thursday, June 1, at Cowie Soccer Park, in Des Moines.  The Cardinals were the sixth seed in the tournament.

“They truly were a great team and we just couldn’t compete,” said Coach Eric Williams.  “It wasn’t because we had a lack of heart, or effort, they were just a better team that day.  Our young men gave it their all and we had a terrific season.  I truly couldn’t have been more proud.”

The Cards held the Knights scoreless until the 18th minute, when Trent Fitzpatrick scored off a deflection.  Fitzpatrick would prove to be GHV’s undoing, as he went on to collect another goal seven minutes later, and in the 35th minute he scored again to give Davenport-Assumption a 3-0 lead at the half.

Following the half, the Knights scored again, 4-0.  Fitzpatrick netted his fourth goal in the 50th minute. One more score by the Knights ended the game, 6-0.

Nick Joynt had 80 minutes in the goalie position.  He had 16 saves.

Connor Burke had two shots on goal and Colton Schroeder had one on goal.

The Cardinals ended its season with a 10-7 record.

Coach Williams is already looking toward the 2018 season.  With nine starters returning, he is predicting another great year.

“I believe next year we will be as good if not better.  I believe that this is a start of GHV being known as a strong soccer program.  I’m already starting to think about next year and the things we will be working on,” said Williams.