MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station soccer team braved wintry playing conditions, Jan. 22, when they defeated a visiting team of Japanese soldiers at the Penny Lake Soccer Fields, 4-2.
The Japanese team, comprised of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sergeants, visited the Station as part of the 2nd Training Brigade, 4th Sergeant Training Unit's Middle Army Basic Enlisted English Course in Shiga Prefecture near Osaka.
The match-up gave the Station soccer team a chance to play in the off-season as well as allowing the two teams to enjoy some friendly competition.
"They were pretty good this year," said Josh Melvin, Station soccer player. "We just go out to have fun, but they were still challenging. We weren't doing so well at first. But once they scored, we got into our passing game and started playing as a team."
Despite the cutting winds and freezing temperatures, the teams played two 15-minute halves.
JGSDF played hard throughout the game and Datsuke Yoshimatsu made two goals for his team. Station's Jose DonJuan Velazquez answered scoring two goals during the game. Melvin and Koichi Ishijima also scored one goal apiece for the Station team to claim the victory.
Station Goalkeeper John Idland halted his opponents in the goalie's box throughout the game.
"I think our defense is what won the game for us," Melvin said.
JGSDF player Takashi Ohtani said, "I really enjoy playing with (the American team)."
Later in the evening, the teams met at the Eagle's Nest for a social and got to know their competitors.
The visiting soldiers returned to Shiga Prefecture, Friday. The visit is a semiannual event that happens during the three-month English course given by the JGSDF.