Athens Advances to Championship of Palestine Soccer Tournament

PALESTINE -- The Athens Hornets picked up a win and a draw on Friday, and in the process, advanced to the championship of the Palestine soccer tournament.

Athens defeated Mexia, 1-0, early on Friday. The lone goal was scored on a restart by Enrique Rodriguez with 13 minutes remaining. Johnny Gonzalez recorded his second shutout of the young season.

The Hornets tied Corsicana, 1-1, later in the day. Again Rodriguez tallied Athens' goal off an assist from Bryant Castaneda about 15 minutes before halftime.

Juan Mota provided solid defense in front of Gonzalez, who preserved the tie in the second half.

Athens will face Kaufman at 3 p.m. Saturday for the championship.

Palestine faces Center at 11 a.m. in the fifth-place game, while Whitehouse and Corsicana meet for third at 1 p.m.

Other scores from the Palestine tournament on Friday ...