Collinsville Head Coach Clay Smith was already planning his penalty kick line-up when, with about five minutes remaining in the game Friday, his team failed to clear a ball and allowed a game-wining goal.

Emily Holten in a game earlier this season / Photo by Roger Starkey

Middleton (Wisc.) beat the Lady Kahoks 2-1 in a match played at the Adidas Tournament of Champions in Burlington, Iowa. Collinsville has not fared well in the tournament the past two years, losing all four games. Last year, the team lost three games and five starters, while making two trips to the emergency room, during the tournament.

The result Friday was less painful, physically. One bright spot, Smith said, was the goal from Mikayla McCarthy, only her second of the season.

“She needed that,” Smith said. “Hopefully it will bring a smile to her face.”

In an evenly played match, the ability of the Cardinal to take advantage of the Lady Kahoks’ mistake was key. Collinsville did not take advantage of early opportunities, Smith said.

“We had three or four good chances early and shot them right at the keeper,” Smith said. “I mean, within seven or eight yards.”

Collinsville will play two games Saturday. The first is at 11:30 a.m. against Ankeny (Iowa). The opponent and game time for the second match will be determined by the outcome of the first contest.