Sports News

Army wins U.S. Armed Forces Soccer Championship
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

2/9/2009 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The All-Army Soccer Team bested all other military branches, taking first place in the U.S. Armed Forces Soccer Championship Feb. 7 at Abilene's Shotwell Stadium. 

"We were down 2-0 but within 15 minutes we turned it around," Army Sergeant 1st Class Agustin Mendez, Coach Army Soccer. "It's been an unbelievable experience." 

The Army beat the Marine Corps, 3-2 on Saturday to claim the final victory needed to lock-up the championship. The Navy team finished the tournament in second place after a 2-1 victory over the Air Force team. Third and fourth place went to the Air Force and Marine Corps respectively. 

The teams battled each day Feb. 2 to 7 for the coveted Armed Forces title and a chance to play on the all U.S. team. 

Following the closing ceremony, the all U.S. team was selected by secret ballot. These Soldiers, Airmen and Marines will now play in the International Counsel of Military Sports Continental Football Continental Championship that will be hosted by the City of Abilene and Dyess later this month. 

Sergeant Mendez, a soccer player for nearly 45-years was selected as the head-coach for the all U.S. team. 

Mendez indicated he was proud of the way his Army team had played and is now honored and looking forward to coaching the U.S. team. 

The Air Force team played strong and several Airmen will be among the final CISM team. 

"We (the Air Force) didn't come out with the results we wanted, but it was fun," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Quincey Collins. "We've played our hearts out for the whole tournament." 

The 26-year-old Staff Sergeant has played for the all-Air Force team for six years and was selected for the all U.S team. 

"It was an honor to play with my comrades from the other services," he said. 

The best players will now face off against the best military competition from the Western Hemisphere. The CISM football tournament has been held previously in Brazil and Canada. 

2009 ARMED FORCES MEN'S ALL TOURNAMENT SOCCER TEAM (Selection based on performance by position) GK AEAN Randy Luck (Navy), HM-14 Norfolk, VA D HN Isael Garza (Marine Corps), MCB Camp Pendleton, CA D SSgt Janusz Jaworek (Air Force), RAF Lakenheath, England D SSgt Patrick Nichols (Air Force), Sheppard AFB, TX M SSgt Gabriel Jaramillo (Marine Corps), MCB Okinawa, Japan M BUCN Joseph Coyle (Navy), NMCB 133, Gulfport, MS M SSgt Quincey Collins (Air Force), Bagnoli, Italy M PFC Jason Van Broekhuizen (Army), Schofield Barracks, HI F Capt Christopher Schmidt (Air Force), Little Rock AFB, AR F 1stLt Luke Barnes (Marine Corps), MCB Camp Lejeune, NC F SrA Peter Miller (Air Force), Hurlburt Field, FL