Fans, soccer thrive at Dover Middle School

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  To jump start soccer in America, professional teams are bringing world-renowned players like David Beckham into their clubs.

By the scene from the sidelines at the Dover Air Base Middle school soccer match against Milton's Mariner Middle School, the young athletes here won't need any additional motivation to jump on the soccer bandwagon.

For the home team, the outcome of the game was not favorable as the DABM Eagles fell 4 - 0 against the visiting MMS Cavs Oct 10.

Still, as spectator and father, Lt. Col. Tom Guerra, 709th Airlift Squadron, put it, "The sport has grown leaps and bounds since I was a kid."

His son, Mitchell, plays striker for the Eagles.

"This is the first year my son has played for Dover Air Base Middle School," said Colonel Guerra. "He's played for about six years in league soccer, though. He loves the sport and I get a chance to come out here and see him play.

"For me, it comes down to spending quality time with my son," he said. "But, for Mitchell, soccer is a great competitive sport - it's' fitness, camaraderie and fun - what else would a kid want?"

The sentiments were shared by a visiting viewer.

"I'm here to cheer on my son, Dylan," said Dave Issacs, U.S. Postal Service employee and resident of Milton, who expressed happiness with seeing he wasn't the only visiting parent in the stand. Mr. Issacs was one of about 10 parents who traveled from Lewes and Milton to view the game.

As Mr. Issacs continued, Eagles' strikers made an attempt at the Cavs goal, which the visiting defenders thwarted, keeping the score 3 - 0.

"This is Dylan's first year playing soccer," said Mr. Issacs as the action died down and his eyes shifted from the field. "He plays defender. As I said, it's his first year, but so far he really enjoys it."

Moments later, with the Cavs still holding a 3 - 0 lead over Dover, the Eagles cheerleading squad gathered and attempted their second stunt of the season.

A group of cheerleaders came together and positioned their bodies and hands in a tight column, the way legs of a table support its top. A group of smaller girls hopped up onto their arms and, in unison, the entire team of girls executed the mount.

"The look on their faces was priceless," said Mr. Issacs, after the cheerleaders dismounted. "The look in the girls' eyes was a mix of fear and an 'I can't believe we just did this!' look."

Though the cheerleaders attempted a stunt to drum up a last push for the home team, their efforts were not successful.

The Eagles made one rush after another, aiming straight for the Cavs' net. Pass, dribble, and pass ... thump! The Cavs' defense, however, stopped them short every time.

With moments left in play, the visiting strikers made a rush at the Dover goalkeeper. Though the goalie made every effort to stop the relentless drives, a perfectly positioned Cavs pass, allowed a striker to head the ball into the home net, ending the game with a 4 - 0 win.

"Yeah, we lost the game," said Colonel Guerra. "But, as I tell my son, the game is not about winning or losing. It's about getting out there and giving it your best. And, Mitchell and his teammates played with their hearts - that's all that matters."

Eagles' soccer continues Monday at 4 p.m. with a game against Smyrna Middle School at Smyrna. The Eagles then host Fifer Middle School Wednesday
at 4 p.m.