There are many Orangemen who moonlight on the Pentagon Soccer Team. Once a year we have an amazing match against a group of international military officers attending Command and General Staff College in Washington. Listen in while our very own Dave N captures the action...
"What an amazing event! 1-1 Tie. A great match and a fair score. Both teams had opportunities to add to the tally, making the "would have, could have" discussion a perfect subject for the post match gathering.
Tedd O deserves congratulations from us all for organizing a flawless event. He sacrificed his playing time to insure we were as "organized" as any 28 member side can be. Perfect weather, a fabulous pitch, resulted in a top flight match against a worthy opponent. In my estimation, this is as high-level of play as we have had in the history of this match.
Thanks go to everyone who brought water, and for the cash contributions which allowed us to share the treasured Pentagon Coin with the Brits. I was pleased to see how many times the PSC coins were brought out for display and discussion at the post game gathering. Jeff the Seal, and Jose gave excellent talks contributing to the overall sense of honor and respect which dominated the evening. Because of injury, our regular center referee Bob E "coached" from the sidelines. Tom C, Bob H, and Benedict T refereed a fair and non controversial match which allowed open and fair play. Finally, for all who brought your supporting fans, what a super group of family, really cute children, and friends. Many of us then adjourned to the visitors hotel for an opportunity to get to know these super new friends. We were treated to unlimited rehydration, and got the opportunity to meet them up close and personal. If you missed this, I can only tell you that next year is another chance. Bottom line, everyone contributed to make this the singular highlight of the Pentagon Soccer year and a model for positive international relations.
Because of the fabulous PSC video that Jessica C produced which is currently available for viewing on the Pentagon soccer web site (www.pentagonsoccer.org), D.C. United paid us a surprise visit. In attendance were David Kasper, General Manager, Chad Ashton, Assistant Coach, Preston Burpo, goal keeping coach and newest PSC player, Ryan T, Media Relations Manager, Rebecca Payne - Advertising and Digital Communications Manager (daughter of long-time president Kevin Payne), and Lee Burrows - Multimedia Producer. After a few words, David Kasper contributed the game ball for our match. D.C. United videotaped portions of the match which should be available on our web site in a couple of days. Jim H has been a long time link to D.C. United, and I can only expect we will grow this relationship with our hometown team.
And, by the way, D.C. United left a bunch of free tickets to the Military Appreciation Match on 19 May. These will be provided to game participants and their families first, so reach out to Tedd with your interest.
Let's start with SARAH. OMG!!! Her shot from 35-40 yards out early in the first half, was one of the best shots seen in Pentagon soccer history. Sarah dominated the middle of the lineup with her ball control, razor sharp passes, and supporting movement off the ball. Our goalies were top flight, with much post match talk about blocked shots, and frustrated attacks. Matt and Alan, great job. With this many players, I can't recount all the individual heroics, except to say that for a side which rarely plays a full field game, we looked like a real, top division team. Our defense was AWESOME!!! Our transition up and down the pitch was smooth and surprisingly organized. Tedd managed the myriad of substitutes with a minimum of chaos. Everyone got their minutes, and I believe the resulting tie was a fair outcome for the match. I do have to mention a long time PSC player, Steve S (Stump) who despite being too injured to play, flew in from Denver for the match and post game gathering. Once a PSC member, always one.
Obviously I can go on and on, but Tedd reminds me brevity might be of value. Our goal in this match was to honor Bill Donovan and his family, those who have fallen, and those who are and have served. It was to encourage international friendship with these "best of the best" from the JSCSC. And finally to play the beautiful game. Thanks to Tedd, Sarah, D.C. United and all of you and your families who shared this day, I sincerely believe we excelled in all these goals.
I'm proud to be a part of this great group of friends and look forward to running past you on the field in the coming days.
Dave
Pentagon Soccer"
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