MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The 10- to 12-year-old division Roughnecks battled it out against the Yellow Jackets, winning 3-2 during a regular season youth soccer game at the Penny Lake soccer fields here Sept. 21.
Both teams did well defending their respective goals; only one goal made it into the net against the Yellow Jackets, leaving the score 1-0 at the end of the first half.
During halftime, coaches for both teams gave their players some words of inspiration and motivation.
“Don’t crowd the ball,” said Keon Beccles, coach for the Yellow Jackets. “You need to stay in your spots and work together to pass off the ball.”
The teams started the second half pumped and ready to go.
The game heated up with each team scoring a goal within the first three minutes of the second half, but the Roughnecks still had the upper hand with a score of 2-1.
The upper hand didn’t last long as the Yellow Jackets evened the score 2-2 with plenty of time still left on the clock. The Yellow Jackets’ hopes of taking the lead were shot down when an opportunity opened up for the Roughnecks after a foul was made.
They were given a penalty kick from the Yellow Jackets, which they capitalized on by quickly putting it in the goal, once again taking the lead 3-2 with the game all but finished.
The Yellow Jackets held their heads high and continued to battle with superb defensive play until they heard the whistle ending the game 3-2.
“We’re not discouraged,” said Beccles. “We’re just going to practice harder for the next game.”
Despite losing the game, the Yellow Jackets were positive and left feeling proud knowing they gave the Roughnecks a run for their money.
“Practice helps, and I’m doing a lot better,” said Krista Cardenas, 11-year-old midfielder for the Roughnecks. “Now I want to learn how to kick harder.”
With this game behind them, both teams will go on to practice and work on the mistakes made and good plays to gear up for the next game.
Games are generally scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Penny Lake soccer fields or at Matthew C. Perry High School.
For more information on game times and schedules, contact the Youth Sports Coordinator at 253-5777.