Lions’ soccer team travel to the Hays Rebel Cup

The Lions” soccer team traveled to the Hays Rebel Cup, Jan. 13-15, for five highly competitive games.

Lockhart vs. San Antonio Marshall, 2-0
The Lions were first matched up against San Antonio Marshall on the field.
Lockhart”s goals came from seniors Quinton Allen and Nick Stevenson.
“We played a good, technically sound game against a solid 5-A team

from San Antonio,” head coach Robert Ardis said. “We possessed the ball for the majority of the game and were able to break down their defense.”

Lockhart vs. Pflugerville Connally, 3-2
Lockhart met Pflugerville Connally on the field for their second game on Thursday.
The Lions” goals were made by Stevenson, junior J.C. Vogel with an assist from Stevenson, and Allen with an assist from Stevenson.
“It was a hard-fought game against a very good Connally
squad,” Ardis said. “We still have some marking miscues that must be resolved. However, the team showed resiliency in keeping up the pressure and consistently creating chances.
“The defensive back line played great, especially the outside backs Joey Theriot and Sam Bussa,” Ardis added.

Lockhart vs. Hays, 1-3
Early Friday morning, the Lions matched up against the hosting team for an aggressive game.
Vogel contributed the one goal for Lockhart against the Rebels” defense.
“It is hard not to throw this game away because just about the entire team was either nursing some type of injury or had dead leg,” Ardis said. “We were just worn out from the previous days games.
“Hays played a great game and was a bit fresher. They didn”t make many mistakes and capitalized on their chances. When watching Hays play a lot of teams thought they were not a strong squad but would then go out and lose to them. I guess you could say they were deceptively good,” Ardis added.

Lockhart vs. Eagle Pass, 2-1
The Lions met the swift Eagle Pass team on the field for tough match up against a 5-A team.
Lockhart scored by goals from both Stevenson and Vogel with assist from each other.
“This was another hard-fought game against a good 5-A team from the border,” Ardis said. “This squad played a quick, short passing style that initially gave us fits.
“Our defense adjusted and the midfield was able to transition despite being fatigued, and in the end we simply outpaced them. James “Jammer” Kellum made a great, game-saving save to his left to preserve the win,” Ardis added.

Lockhart vs. Round Rock, 0-3
The weary Lions met Round Rock on the field for their last game in the Hays Rebel Cup.
“Unfortunately we were totally dominated in the consolation finals by what I felt was the best team in the tournament,” Ardis said. “Round Rock controlled the game from start to end with a balanced possession game. By this point our players were too worn out to pursue their passes.
“We gave a valiant effort against a great squad, and I am proud of the way we battled through the tournament,” Ardis said.