Intramural soccer begins with 9-0 shutout

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The intramural soccer season began here April 22 with the 780th Test Squadron routing the 379th Training Squadron 9-0 in a one-sided contest.

The 780th got out in front early, and outran and out-shot the 379th through two 25-minute halves. The 379th took the field with the minimum five players, with four of them running the field non-stop with no substitutes. Meanwhile, the 780th had 10 players, which allowed for player substitutions at will. The 780th controlled the tempo on offense, and kept the ball through much of the first half.

The 780th led 4-0 at halftime.

"Our game plan is to be more defensive-minded," said Garret Duff, the 780th team captain. "We have one true striker up front, three defenders and two mid-fielders. We're trying not to get down early, so we can stay in the game the whole time."

Juan Anzures, the 379th team captain, said his team's short roster left them no choice, but to play hard and leave everything on the field.

"We're Marines and will do the best with what we have," he said. "We have to score quickly, test their goalie with more shots and contain them with our defense."

The 379th's strategy waned and their endurance was slowly sapped as the match progressed. The 780th continued to control the ball through most of the second half. Their defense kept the 379th out of scoring range on many attempts.

Kyle Hail led the 780th with four goals. Duff and Brendan Andrus each scored two. Reva Ladd had one.

"We're a new team, getting to know each other through our practices," said Hail. "This was a good test for us. Hopefully, we'll continue to do well throughout the season."