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38th EIG defeats 31st CCS 4-1

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Rain, wind and cold temperatures did not stop the soccer at the Tinker Sports Complex on April 17.
The 38th Engineering Installation Group defeated the 31st Combat Communications Squadron 4-1 amidst a rain-soaked field and very blustery wind conditions.
Both teams had to adjust to the field conditions to start the game. The 31st CCS got on the board at the 22:!5 mark of the first half as midfielder Oscar Palamino dribbled the ball for 30 yards and sent a quick cross-field pass to Anton Pero, who then directed a shot past the 38th EIG goalkeeper.
The 38th EIG responded just 25 seconds later as forward Phoung Nguyen took the ball on the ensuing kickoff and hit the 31st CCS net, knotting the score at 1-1.
   Both defenses controlled play the rest of the first half and the teams went into halftime tied in a 1-all tie.
   "Our team had full coverage of the midfield in the first half," Palamino said. "We must to continue to play this style. Let's not get into playing long ball with these guys; their goalkeeper is too quick and too talented for that."
   The 38th EIG got two quick goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Tim Michalak dribbled into the penalty area and sent a pass to Ojo Olukunle, who then shifted the ball to his right foot and sent a blistering shot into the back of the net.
   Less than 2 minutes later, Nguyen received a pass from teammate Quyet Doan and delivered a shot passed the goalkeeper, giving the 38th EIG an insurmountable 3-1 lead.
   The 38th EIG kept up the offensive pressure during the rest of the second half and rounded out the scoring with 1 minute left in the contest. Olukunle intercepted a pass in the penalty area and sent a shot past the goalkeeper to put the 38th EIG up 4-1.
   "This was a huge win for us and kept us in a good spot in the standings," said Nguyen, who had two goals and was the star of the game for the 38th EIG.
   Palamino, who had an assist and was a major force controlling the ball for his team, was the star for the 31st CCS.
   The victory improves the 38th EIG's record to 3-1 and the loss drops the 31st CCS to 1-4 on the season.