Team Dover falls 2-1 at title game, Beracruz wins soccer championship

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Team Dover soccer team played against the Derbotibo Beracruz with a resulting score of 2 - 1 in the Liga de futbol de clubs asociados de Delaware (LIFUCAD) soccer championship game at Dover High School Sunday afternoon. 

"Our coaches feel this was a great win because we worked really hard for this, practicing everyday," said Luis Iuic, Beracruz player. "Soccer is my life - it's everything." 

Though Team Dover did not win the title, their overall 55 points for the season provided an impressive 13 wins, three draws and only two losses. 

"We're extremely motivated to win because we were kind of the laughing-stock last year since the other teams didn't think we belonged in their league," said Bryan 'Skip' Ford, Team Dover coach. "But, this year, we've earned our way up to the top and won a lot of respect from the community." 

In a previous match during this season, Team Dover overturned the Beracruz team.
"We had out-shot the Beracruz team before, beating them earlier in the season 3 - 2," said Ford. "That team also scrambled really hard back through their quarters and semi's to get where they are today. 

"Our team has had a tremendous season, putting it on strong all season long, and we're willing to win this game," he said, prior to the game. 

During the first five minutes of the game, James Whyte, Team Dover sweeper, slide-tackled the ball toward the right side-line away from a Beracruz player, gaining possession of the ball. 

"Our strategy to win this championship is to stay strong, fast and hold possession of the ball mainly in their third of the field," said Ford. 

Despite Team Dover's strong defense, the Beracruz offense scored two goals during the first-half, but not without a fight from Team Dover. 

Charles Anaba, Team Dover right forward, gained possession of the ball at mid-field and dribbled towards the side-line. 

He outran his opponent and with a break away faced the Beracruz goalkeeper one-on-one. 

Dover players celebrated as Anaba scored their first goal during the first-half. 

"It was a beautiful shot; it was a beautiful play," said Ford. "Our Air Force team has talent from all over the world and we're definitely in shape and fit to fight. 

"We were over-exposed during the first half," said the coach. "We'll try to contain the ball and push for the win." 

Team Dover played the bulk of the second half with fierce force, but fell short of the goal with an empty net tap on the side. 

Jim Black, Team Dover stopper, stormed a straight path from mid-field down to the penalty area as Anaba, attempted to score and missed the goal box aiming the ball too high. 

The score remained solid for the game: Beracruz 2, Team Dover 1. 

Though there were no penalty shots throughout the game, Ford said, "Both teams were definitely fouling, but it's the championship game and you're going to see cards - if you're not getting cards, you're not playing football." 

"Playing soccer is a life-long dream for a lot of these guys who couldn't play in college and I'm proud of them because we've worked really hard to get here," said Ford.