MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Matthew C. Perry High School boys soccer team came out on top when they defeated Ernest J. King High School 2-0 during the first game of the Department of Defense Dependent Schools Class “A” Far East Soccer Tournament at the M.C. Perry High School soccer field Sunday.
Andre Bugawan, captain and striker for M.C. Perry, managed to score the first goal of the game during the first half after the other team drove the ball out of bounds.
“Tyelor Apple, the other striker on our team, threw the ball through the defense,” said Bugawan. “I did a two-touch and shot the ball in.”
Sean Barker, fellow team captain and offensive mid-position for M.C. Perry, managed to score the second goal of the game during the second half after being sent for a tumble by a player from the opposing team.
“I got fouled outside a few yards outside the 18 and shot it through the corner,” said Barker.
The ball tipped the fingers of Andrew Chavez, goalie for EJ King High School, as it went in.
Matt Villalino, sweeper for M.C. Perry High School, was recognized as most valuable player of the game by his fellow teammates.
“He saved at least two goals,” said Barker. “He was right behind the goalie,” said Bugawan. “Usually players are not supposed to be behind the goalie, but he was there.A guy shot it in and he was there to block it.”
The tournament was set up into a five-day event.
The first three days consisted of a series of matches called pool play.
It provided the teams with the opportunity to warm up their skills during friendly competition before the single elimination tournament that would put their skills to the real test.
“Pool play ends Tuesday,” said Bugawan. “Then we decide who will play what
positions for the tournament.”
As the tournament progresses, the team will be able to settle players into permanent positions to further enhance their practice techniques and strategies.
“We practice on tactical things depending on how we did on the previous game, what we need to work on and what we need to develop,” said Barker. “We work on anything to make us better.”
“The main things we need to work on are touches and working together to communicate,” said Bugawan.
The first game of the tournament set the tone, providing the team with confidence to carry out the rest of the tournament against six teams, including Edgren High School, Global Vision Christian School, Morrison Christian Academy and Osan High School.
For additional information about upcoming games and events, call 253-5448.