HomeNewsArticle Display

Tinker United team claims soccer crown

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The skies were sunny and the wind non-existent as the Tinker United soccer club claimed their first Central Oklahoma Adult Soccer League title with a 3-1 victory over Team Odyssey at the South Lakes Soccer Complex Nov. 16.

Team-Odyssey was the No. 1 seed in the tournament, while Tinker United was the No. 3 seed.

"This team defeated us earlier in the year," said Joseph Bowers, fullback for Tinker United. "They are fast up front; however, we have begun to gel late in the season and we are looking forward to capturing the title."

At the 16:25 mark of the first half, Tinker United striker Justin Crawford sent a corner-kick to the penalty area. Fellow striker Brian Armstrong picked up the loose ball and sent a blistering shot into the back of the net, giving Tinker a quick 1-0 lead.

The entire Tinker United team and bench leaped with excitement after the first goal. Tinker kept up the pressure through the remainder of the first half. Their effort was rewarded as Crawford took a ball at midfield and lifted a pass over Team Odyssey's defense. Armstrong raced into the penalty area and sent another blazing shot into the goal giving his team a insurmountable 2-0 lead at 21:00 mark of the first half.

The third goal for Tinker United came as striker Danny Pereira sent a cross-pass to Crawford who lifted a shot over the goalkeeper's head, giving Tinker a 3-0 lead at 37:15 of the first half.

Team Odyssey scored a late goal in the first, cutting the lead to two points at the intermission.

The second half of action was a scoreless affair with both teams having chances to score, but each goalkeeper was up to the task.

"Today's win is a testament to all of our players," said Bowers. "To be able to play at the same level, no matter which players are on the pitch, shows total team character." The players of the game for Tinker United were Armstrong, who had two goals, Crawford, who had a goal and assisted on two others, and Bowers, who was a defensive stalwart.