After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friendly City Shootout soccer tournament was back April 17-18 at the Lowndes County Soccer Complex.

Hosted by Columbus Soccer Organization (CSO) and Columbus United, the tournament registered over 40 teams from Mississippi and Alabama. Age groups started at U8 and went up to adult, with eight teams competing in the adult division. Over the weekend, Columbus teams had considerable success.

The United U12 and United U11 boys teams dominated the competition in the U11/U12 bracket, finishing first and second, respectively. Both teams defeated opponents from Amory, Saltillo and Caledonia. The only loss for the U11 boys, coached by Jim Hicks and Jamie Baucom, only loss was to their fellow United team. The U12 team, coached by Dave Albertson and Will Starks, allowed only one goal in four matches.

Also winning championships were the United U14 girls, U8 boys, and U9 girls. The U9 girls played a tight championship against Starkville, prevailing 2-1. The team is coached by Lauren Lear and Jim Hicks.

The U14 girls defeated Tuscaloosa United in their championship match by a score of 4-1. The team is coached by Lee Milam, Jen Prouty and Jake Mahan.

The U8 boys White went undefeated in round-robin bracket play to take the title, while the U8 boys Navy came in second. The teams are coached by Jonathan Tuggle and Jason Spears. The U8 girls, coached by Layla Wilson, were second in the girls division.

In the adult division, CSO teams had similar success. Hyperventilation and Columbus Aces took first and second respectively in the Premier Division. Possum Town Rangers came in second in the Pioneer Division, losing a tight 1-2 match to Singing River Blues (Alabama). In the Ladies League, Yo Momma were champions with Studio Pilates finishing second.

Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.