Christian Cardoso
IU Columbus was set to open its men’s and women’s soccer seasons Wednesday at Richard Wigh Soccer Complex, but patches of the field without grass led to a move indoors to Nexus Park.
Playing their first games in the facility, the Crimson Pride men beat Calumet College of St. Joseph 4-2 after the two women’s teams had played to a 0-0 tie.
Columbus North graduate Christian Cardoso had an assist and two second-half goals for IUC. Kevin Cruz and North graduate Alejandro “Pollo” Alvarez had the Crimson Pride’s first two goals. Anton Bezborodov, Noah Cordero and Michael Ruiz also had assists.
The Crimson Pride outshot Calumet 27-9, putting 18 shots on goal to three for Calumet. Harris Weltz played the first half in goal, posting one save, and North graduate Juan Jose Salcedo Calderon and Jacob Kasarda split the second half in goal.
In the women’s game, IUC outshot Calumet 11-6, putting six shots on goal to one for Calumet. Zoe Bippus and Mallory Gilley each played a half in goal, with Gilley recording one save.
Both the men’s and women’s team are back in action Saturday at St. Francis (Illinois).
