Intramural soccer: 963rd AACS shuts out 552nd MXS

Published May 8, 2008
By John E. Banks
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron shut out the 552nd Maintenance Squadron 3-0 May 1 at the Tinker Sports Complex.
   The 963rd AACS was looking to win back-to-back games, while the 552nd MXS was also riding a modest two-game winning streak.
   "This should be a great match as both teams are playing well," said Mike Rosenthal, 552nd MXS team captain.
   Both teams turned up the heat defensively to start the game. The play was concentrated in the midfield area for the first 10 minutes of action.
   The first goal of the contest came as 963rd AACS forward Philip Weber intercepted an errant pass at the 40-yard mark, dribbled into the penalty area and scored a laser shot past the 552nd MXS goalkeeper.
   "That was a great shot," said Josefina Morfin, 963rd AACS reserve forward. "He was able to get past the defenders and score on a perfect shot."
   Four minutes later, 963rd AACS forward Sergio Perez sent a shot from the left hand side of the penalty box into the net to put his team up 2-0.
   "We need to keep up the pressure on them. We only have one reserve player and we need to take advantage of our opportunities," said Joseph Bowers, fullback for the 963rd AACS.
   The final goal of the match came at the 5 minute mark as center halfback Justin Crawford sent a blistering shot from 20 yards out into the back of the net.
   "That was a good win for us and kept us in the hunt heading into the playoffs," said Bowers.
   The win improves the 963rd AACS record to 5-1-2, while the loss drops the 552nd MXS to 4-4-1.

Dribbling the ball