Four of five teams fielded by the Columbus United Soccer Club and the Columbus Soccer Organization found their way onto the podium this past weekend at the Starkville Soccer Association Holiday Classic tournament in Starkville, with the under-13 girls team leading the way.
“It was one of the best showings for the club,” United Director of Coaching Tom Velek said. “The progress we have made in coaching, player development and team development is evident.”
The U13 girls team romped to the championship in its division, posting shutout wins in all three matches. Coached by Lee Milam and Jen Prouty, the team scored eight goals without conceding once and notched wins over Starkville and the Greenwood Delta Red Bulls.
The U8 Girls Development Program competed in the boys division and placed second under coach Allie McCulley.
The U12 boys team, coached by Dave Albertson and Will Starks, was also a finalist in its division. The team beat Tupelo FC-Amory and Corinth to reach the championship round, where it lost to the Oxford Flood.
The U10 boys team finished third with a 1-1-1 record, including a 2-2 draw with eventual champion Tupelo FC.
The U10 girls team lost its first match 2-1, then beat Greenwood and drew Oxford 1-1, earning a medal.
Most of the United teams will be competing at the Frostbite Tournament in January at the Starkville Sportsplex.
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