VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — Columbus United Soccer Club came away from the prestigious Vestavia Invitational with a pair of championships on Feb. 13-14.
The United U12 boys, coached by Dave Albertson and Will Starks, braved frigid temperatures and an impending ice storm to win the championship by a score of 1-0 over Barça Academy (Tennessee). Their trip to the championship match came with victories over Trussville United (Alabama) and the Vestavia Hills Steamers (Alabama).
The United U11 girls, coached by McGee Ledbetter, left as champions after a truncated tournament due to weather. The team shut out Attack 10 Dortmund (Alabama) and Attack 10 Liverpool (Alabama) to reach the finals. Seeded No. 1 in the championship as the only undefeated team in its group, the team was declared champion after a matchup with Mississippi Rush was called off as teams rushed to get home before ice covered the roads.
The United U14 girls, coached by Lee Milam, Jen Prouty and Jake Mahan, also competed in the tournament. The team finished the weekend with a 1-1-1 record.
United teams are next in competition on Saturday and Sunday, with some teams heading to Tupelo and others traveling to Hattiesburg.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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