The tenth annual Catonsville Invitational Soccer Tournament was held at Comet Park this past Saturday, September 12, 2009. The tournament invites teams from all over the state such as Baltimore City, Frederick, Carroll, Howard, and Charles counties.

Participating since 2006, the Catonsville girls’ team faced North Carroll, Seton Keogh and, newcomers to the tournament, Loch Raven. The boys faced Westlake, Loch Raven, and Patuxent.

            Opening up the tournament this year was the Boys’ Soccer Alumni Game made up past Catonsville High graduates.

            “It was a ton of fun to see the veteran players out there,” commented senior team member Max Carlson.

            The Comet girls faced North Carroll in their first game at noon with an intense first half that led to a one goal deficit going into the second half ready to fight back. In the second half the Comets stepped it up, and senior Peyton Johnson scored both goals to come back with the win.

            “I thought I started out kind of rough but improved as it went on,” remarked sophomore Rachel Woods on her playing during the game.  

            In the second game the Comets took a tough loss against Loch Raven 2-1. Johnson scoring again for the team didn’t think she played as well in the second game.

            “I managed to score goals but didn’t play wonderfully,” she said.

            One good thing that all players agreed came out of the game was seeing Loch Raven before they have to face them again in the regular season.

            “We get a preview of our competition that will prepare us for playing them,” junior goalie Kelli Beard added.

            This year’s tournament may not have been a complete success for the Comet girls but it gave them a chance to sharpen their skills for the rest of the upcoming season.