MELVINDALE, MI (WTVB) – Despite taking the early lead less than three minutes into the match, the Coldwater High School boys varsity soccer team fell 4-1 in their season opener at Melvindale Saturday.
With the two schools sharing the same mascot, the now yearly contest was dubbed the “Battle of the Cardinals.” The game took on special significance this year as the host school unveiled a memorial to Melvindale Police Corporal and former Melvindale High School soccer player Mohamed Said, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in June 2024. Said had lived in Coldwater for several years in his youth and still has family in the Coldwater area.
Liam Clark scored the lone goal for Coldwater on a pass from Abdulhamid Munnasar 2:47 into the game.
Melvindale tied the contest four minutes later, then took the lead with 1:45 to play in the first half. They scored two insurance goals midway through the second half to secure the win in the opening game of the season for both teams.
Melvindale outshot Coldwater 10-6, with Franky Ramos making six saves in goal.
Coldwater will host Kalamazoo Central in their home opener Tuesday (JV-5:00 p.m.,varsity-6:30 p.m.)
The Coldwater junior varsity team fell behind 1-0 early at Melvindale Saturday, then rallied for a 4-1 win.
Tareq Alhagagi had three goals, while fellow freshman Johan Aburto had the other.
Goalkeepers Jensley Norvilus and Riyadh Sharif shared duties in the win.
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