 Cardozo commenced his professional career with modest Club Atlético 3 de Febrero of Ciudad del Este, participating in the División Intermedia championship in 2003 and forming a partner ship with striker Roberto Gamarra.In Round 1 of the 2003 season, Cardozo scored in a 1–1 home draw against Cerro Corá.In the following fixture, he scored in a 2–0 home victory against Sportivo Iteño on 11 May.