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While the boys’ football team rolled to victory Friday night in Pike County, another boys’ squad from George Rogers Clark High School began its battle late on Saturday morning in a clash of teams that have seen each other compete at the highest level that ended on level terms.

The Cards’ soccer team (3-3-1) battled to a 2-2 draw with Bishop Brossart in a hotly contested matchup at Cardinal Stadium.

“We honestly played pretty well. We earned our two goals,” said GRC head coach Nick Vogler. “That’s probably going to be one of the top teams in the region, so we’re going to hopefully see them again.”

The Cards and Mustangs are no stranger to tough matchups with one another.

In last year’s 10th Region semifinal matchup, the two teams battled even through regulation, with Bishop Brossart narrowly defeating George Rogers Clark in penalty kicks to advance.

In regional play during the regular season – as opposed to district play – contests can end after regulation, regardless of the score.

“Historically, [we’ve] had games just like this with a lot of high intensity [and] high drama,” said Bishop Brossart head coach Rod Dunlevy. “They’re a great team.”

When going up against the Mustangs, the Cards knew they would be taking on an opponent whose defense had pitched shutouts in three of their four victories before Saturday’s matchup.

They were determined to strike early on.

After their defense held off a strong Mustang offensive surge early on thanks to the efforts of players such as goalkeeper Jacob Davis and defender Landon Clark, GRC’s Clay Turley found himself going up in the air alongside a Mustang defender to provide a header towards the net.

Eventually winning the battle, Turley would help keep the ball in the Cards’ possession.

Following an assist from teammate Jacob Ebert, he would give GRC an early 1-0 lead less than ten minutes into the contest after a shot deflected near the goal post and found its way just inside the netting.

“It’s always important to get the first [goal],” Vogler said.

“I just saw the ball go out wide, so I made a run right down the middle,” said Turley. “My teammate put a great ball in the middle. I just went out to shoot it, and contact came. Luckily, I hit it well enough to where it went in.”

The Cards’ 1-0 lead wouldn’t last.

With just over 20 minutes remaining in the opening period, the Mustangs’ Samuel Chirumbolo would score.

Later, with 24 minutes remaining in the final period, Chirumbolo’s second goal of the contest gave Bishop Brossart a temporary lead.

“I just felt like I was in the right position, and I felt like the shot was necessary,” said Chirumbolo.

However, showing resilience, the Cards would not go away quickly.

After the Mustangs were penalized on defense for handball, Turley had his second chance for a score.

He delivered on the penalty kick, evening the score at 2-2 with just over ten minutes remaining.

While each team would have several shooting opportunities from then on, both goalies stood firm to preserve the tie.

GRC will next be at Harrison County on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

They will finish the month of August with a Thursday matchup at home against Ashland Blazer on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 7:00 p.m.