MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines and sailors with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 ousted 3rd Marine Regiment in a 2-1 victory during the final championship game of the 101 Days of Summer Soccer Tournament at Riseley Field aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2013.
Both teams began their final soccer game of the tournament in a winner-takes all bout. The game began at 6:30 p.m. with a blow of a whistle. Both teams moved the ball up and down the field and changed possessions several times.
The game was neck and neck, until MALS-24 made a hard push through 3rd Marines’ defense and opened the scoring with the first goal of the match. MALS-24, right midfielder, Justin Longoria, was an asset, scoring both goals for his team.
“We’ve worked really hard to get here, and it’s definitely a great opportunity to be in the championship game,” Longoria said. “We were struggling to penetrate their offense, but we made a good play and were able to find the back of the net.”
During the first half, 3rd Marines struggled to find scoring opportunities and grew frustrated. They refocused their minds during halftime and managed to score a goal halfway through the second half.
A 3rd Marines’ forward, Matthew Noah, capitalized on a penalty kick and scored a goal to make it 2-1.
“We were trying to take some risks so we could come back,” said Nick Lanza, goalkeeper for 3rd Marines. “We were able to get our opponents to bite, resulting in a penalty kick. We got a good kick and scored.”
Unfortunately for 3rd Marines, MALS-24 fought back and sustained their lead. After scoring their only goal, 3rd Marines was bombarded with penalty calls. Third Marines attempted to make a final offensive effort to tie the game, but the clock hit zero and the final whistle was blown.
The MALS-24 team is relatively new, with some inexperienced players. The team practiced two times a week to prepare for the tournament.
“We try to play with a lot of enthusiasm and learn each others movements on the field,” Longoria explained. “It helps us connect the dots and make a play against our opponents.”
MALS-24 and 3rd Marines’ players lined up on the field and congratulated each team on their efforts and competiveness.
“It feels good to finally come out on top this year,” said Tyler McCreight, captain of MALS-24. “We kept a cool head and stayed level-headed throughout the game. I think that’s what contributed to our win tonight.”
UPDATE TO THE STORY: As of Aug. 26, upon investigation, MALS-24 was disqualified in the 101 Days of Summer Soccer Tournament championship game. It was discovered that players not listed on the official roster actively competed in the championship game, resulting in 3rd Marine Regiment's victory by default.