The SAC Columbus Day Tournament ended with PIPELINE SC RED (MD) in the finals against MARYLAND RUSH MONTGOMERY LIONS 08B (MD).
The route to the finals started with a game at 8 am Saturday against CARROLL MANOR FORCE (MD). Pipeline took an early lead but was not able to hold it. Both teams had moments of elite performance but also defensive lapses leading to scores by the opposing team. The final was Carroll Manor 5, Pipeline 4.
Losing the first game in a four-team bracket made the second game a must-win. FREEDOM FORCE (MD) vs. Pipeline was the second meeting of the teams in barely thirty days. The first was in the September OBGC Tournament. Freedom Force defeated Pipeline in that game.
Saturday afternoon’s game was a spectators delight. The teams appeared matched offensively and defensively. Parents and coaches cheered many offensive runs only to see them stymied by excellent defensive plays or goalkeeper saves. The game was a hard fought by both teams with Pipeline on the right side of a 2-1 score.
Sunday morning game was against PREMIER ATHLETICS PAC ’08B (VA). Pipeline took control of the game from the opening kickoff. Pipeline won 7-1.
Pipeline, having done what they could, waited for the results of the Freedom Force – Carroll Manor game. Freedom Force won the game 2-0. The boys were in the finals on a tie-break.
In the finals, Maryland Rush took an early lead and continued breaking through for scores. Pipeline played hard from whistle to whistle, but when the final blew, Maryland Rush had won the game 8-1.
Pipeline 2008 Boys Red may not have won the championship, but they made a memorable impression on coaches, parents, and fans with their hard play whether winning or losing. The team looks forward to the November tournament.
GO PIPELINE!