Tinker ties opener against OKC Dynamo 3-3

Published Aug. 27, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker's men's varsity soccer team showed promise and perseverance at the Aug. 22 season opener. Tying their opponent, OKC Dynamo, 3-3, Tinker played hard, volleyed for control and, despite challenges, attempted far more goals than their opponents.

Held at the South Lakes Soccer Club at Southwest 119th Street in Oklahoma City, the two teams met at Field 3 beneath a glaring hot sun. After a 15-minute delayed start, as the referees were late, Tinker fought to become the victor and nearly had it.

"We played well for most of the game. At times we didn't move the ball well and we were slow getting back to defend their attack, but our desire to battle back allowed us to walk away with a tie," said Joe Bowers, Tinker coach, manager and player. "I know we will continue to play well and to learn more from each other during the remainder of the season."

Within the first half, Tinker attempted nearly 20 goals. Before one would be good, Tinker suffered the loss of player Jefferson Jensen, who fell and fractured his left ankle. The fall happened within the first eight minutes of the game.

But, Tinker persevered. Seven minutes after Jensen left the field, Lawrence Chun scored the team's first goal.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Tinker and Dynamo indulged in a water break.

Resuming their respective places on the field, Tinker attempted two goals back-to-back. Neither was good. Then, Dynamo tried, but it too was no good. The two teams continued their volley and paused for a second water break.

Back on the field, Dynamo got control of the ball and attempted a goal. It was no good. Tinker players cheered from the sidelines, shouting advice and encouragement. And then the game was halted, as a referee noticed Tinker was short a player. After the second water break, not everyone had returned to the field. Once the slipup was corrected, Tinker attempted four more goals; none of which were good. Dynamo attempted one. When Tinker got the ball back, they attempted a fifth goal. This time it was a success.

Twenty minutes into the game, Jeremi Isaac scored the team's second goal.

Just after Isaacs' goal, Dynamo ran the ball downfield and scored their first point. They had attempted a total of seven goals in the first half.

Going into the second half, Tinker led 2-1, but that would soon change.

Minutes into the second half, Dynamo scored their second goal and tied the game at 2-2.
By the time the teams paused for their first water break of the second half, Tinker had attempted four shots, none of which were good. Dynamo scored on their only attempt.

Back on the field, Tinker attempted two more goals. So did Dynamo. While neither of Tinker's attempts made headway, Dynamo took the lead, 3-2.

Eighty-five minutes into the game, Johnny Villena scored Tinker's final goal and bring the score to a 3-3 tie. In the second half, Tinker attempted 20 goals. Dynamo went for five.

With just two more goal attempts by Tinker and one by Dynamo, the final whistle was blown.

"I think we played well for an opening game," said Boone Caldon of Tinker. "Unfortunately we got a little complacent with our 2-0 lead allowing the other team back in the game. We have a very good team this season, barring deployments and injuries I would expect us to have a very successful season and be a contender for winning the league."