Cards drop SMAC Tourney opener to Portage Central

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The Daily Reporter - Coldwater, MI

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Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Updated Oct 3, 2012 at 2:37 PM

Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Updated Oct 3, 2012 at 2:37 PM

Coldwater, Mich.

By Gary Bakersports@thedailyreporter.comCOLDWATER — Two early miscues proved costly for the Coldwater Cardinals, as they dropped the opener of the Gold Division of the SMAC Tournament 2-0 to Portage Central. 

The visiting Mustangs scored the game's only two goals within the first eight minutes of the game.  Ian Garrett scored at the 33:13 mark of the first half, after some precision passes around the box.  The second goal was scored by Garrett on a penalty kick after being taken down in the box. 

Coldwater had a good chance midway through the opening half when Saleh Mousa fired a shot off hands of the Mustang keeper.  The half ended with the Cardinals down, 2-0. 

"We played them even for 72 minutes," said Coldwater coach Ken Delaney. " It was really a tale of two halves.  In the second, I thought we controlled possession for the most part." 

Coldwater was simply unable to get anything going on the offensive side throughout the night.  Shots were in favor of Portage Central, 11-8.  Ian Wright had seven saves on the night, several of which were big. 

"We were not making the right decisions to get offensive opportunities," said Delaney. " I'm not dissappointed with the effort.  It was a physical game." 

Coldwater hosts Sturgis on Thursday in the second round of the SMAC Tournament, as the Trojans lost to Portage Northern 4-1 on Tuesday.  Games start at 5 p.m. with the JV and 6:45 p.m. with the varsity.