JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
On a cloudy and windy, 72-degree afternoon, the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Soccer team managed to not only beat sloppy field conditions, but also dismantle the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, 8 - 2, to capture the Joint Base Charleston Intramural Soccer Championship, May 2, 2013.
A short-season that began in mid-March finally wrapped up in the beginning of May - pitting the number-one seeded 628th LRS against the number-two seeded 437th APS.
LRS finished the regular season with a 5 - 1 win/loss record and had 30 goals for and 18 goals against. APS finished the regular season 4 - 2 and lead the league with 42 goals for and 28 goals against.
"My only thought going into the game was that it was going to be a difficult and competitive game," said Danielle Atkins, APS soccer coach and midfielder. "We were trying to win the championship for the third season in a row."
1st Half highlights
The game's first goal didn't come until eight minutes into the game when LRS' Michael Ohene scored on a pass from Kelvin Zelee.
Zelee added his own goal at the 16th minute mark, giving LRS a 2 - 0 lead.
LRS' defense proved why they were the best all season long - shutting out APS in the first half.
2nd Half highlights
Most of the scoring didn't happen until the second half and LRS didn't waste time scoring in the first three minutes.
Kent Germaine, LRS player, answered with another goal at the 6:39 marker to make the score 4 - 0.
Unable to keep the ball out of their territory, APS gave up another goal as Germaine scored once again.
APS was finally able to get on the scoreboard at the 10:34 marker when Jesse Ritz kicked a laser from about 20 yards - making the score 5 - 1.
But that was short-lived as Ohene answered that goal 30 seconds later with his second goal of the night; 6 - 1.
Ritz responded with another goal for APS (6-2), but the deficit was too large and time was a major factor.
LRS added a couple goals at the end of the game and went on to capture the 2013 JB Charleston Intramural Soccer Championship.
"It feels good to put LRS on the map," said Andred Jackson, LRS soccer assistant coach.
According to Atkins, LRS had an aggressive offense and great endurance and her squad was simply outplayed.
"As the season went on, everyone started to learn the others' chemistry," said Jessica Monaco, LRS soccer coach. "This game showed how well we can play together."
Zelee, Ohene and Germaine were big contributors to goals, but without the rest of the team (defense and assists); LRS wouldn't have played as well, according to Monaco.
"We may not have been the biggest or fastest team, but we are the best!" Monaco said.
Intramural Softball is the next sports program scheduled for JB Charleston. The season is slated to begin May 14, 2013. Anyone interested in JB Charleston - Air Base's Intramural Sports program should contact their unit sports representative or contact the Air Base Fitness Center at 963-3347. Those interested in the Weapons Station Intramural Sports program can call 764-4118.