Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Andres Picado, 39th Communications Squadron, collides with another player during their first intramural soccer game of the season against the 39th Maintenance Squadron Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th MXS won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Players from the 39th Communications Squadron and 39th Maintenance Squadron face off during one of the first intramural soccer games of the season Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th MXS won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Players from the 39th Communications Squadron take a shot at the goal during one of the first intramural soccer games of the season Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th Maintenance Squadron won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Players and fans of the 39th Maintenance Squadron cheer for their team during one of the first intramural soccer games of the season Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th MXS won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Players from the 39th Communications Squadron and 39th Maintenance Squadron face off during one of the first games of the intramural soccer season Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th MXS won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Players from the 39th Maintenance Squadron congratulate each other after their win against the 39th Communications Squadron following their first intramural soccer game of the season Aug. 16, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th MXS won the game 1-0. The regular season is scheduled to run through late September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Intramural Soccer kicks off at Incirlik

Published Aug. 17, 2011
By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik's 2011 intramural soccer season began Aug. 16 with 11 teams competing for one goal -- to win the base championship.

The first day of the regular season matched up the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron against Men's Varsity, the 39th Communications Squadron against the 39th Maintenance Squadron, and the defending champions, 39th Security Forces Squadron against the 39th Medical Group.

Due to a lack of players, the first game ended in a forfeit for LRS.

In the second match-up, tough defenses by both teams led to rare scoring opportunities.

MXS's early, lone goal in the first half proved to be the winning goal, as MXS beat CS 1-0

In the late game, the defending champions had no problem handling the MDG as they continued last year's success with a convincing win.

The first half resulted in zero goals, but SFS came into the second half with some changes.

"We changed our formation, starting the second half in a more offensive set-up; and within minutes, we were up two goals," said Juan Garcia, SFS coach.

All SFS goals came in the second half and were credited to Daniel Carrasco, who scored twice, and Fernando Saldana.

"The first half was a test for us. We wanted to contain their team and see what they had to bring," said Garcia. "The MDG has quite a few Turkish players that pass the ball very well but were unable to put it on the net thanks to our great defense and great goalkeeper. All in all, our team looked good, but with more games we will look better."

SFS won the game 3-0.

The soccer season is expected to run into late September with the playoffs beginning Sept. 22, according to Staff Sgt. Juan Aguirre-Alger, 39th Force Support Squadron sports director.

"Come out to the games and support your squadron," he said. "Soccer is a great way to boost morale within squadrons and is a great way to stay physically active."

If you are interested in participating in intramural sports, contact your unit sports representative or call the fitness center for more information at DSN 676-6086.