Army wins U.S. Armed Forces Soccer Championship

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  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The All-Army Soccer Team bested all other military branches, taking first place in the U.S. Armed Forces Soccer Championship Feb. 7 at Abilene's Shotwell Stadium. 

"We were down 2-0 but within 15 minutes we turned it around," Army Sergeant 1st Class Agustin Mendez, Coach Army Soccer. "It's been an unbelievable experience." 

The Army beat the Marine Corps, 3-2 on Saturday to claim the final victory needed to lock-up the championship. The Navy team finished the tournament in second place after a 2-1 victory over the Air Force team. Third and fourth place went to the Air Force and Marine Corps respectively. 

The teams battled each day Feb. 2 to 7 for the coveted Armed Forces title and a chance to play on the all U.S. team. 

Following the closing ceremony, the all U.S. team was selected by secret ballot. These Soldiers, Airmen and Marines will now play in the International Counsel of Military Sports Continental Football Continental Championship that will be hosted by the City of Abilene and Dyess later this month. 

Sergeant Mendez, a soccer player for nearly 45-years was selected as the head-coach for the all U.S. team. 

Mendez indicated he was proud of the way his Army team had played and is now honored and looking forward to coaching the U.S. team. 

The Air Force team played strong and several Airmen will be among the final CISM team. 

"We (the Air Force) didn't come out with the results we wanted, but it was fun," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Quincey Collins. "We've played our hearts out for the whole tournament." 

The 26-year-old Staff Sergeant has played for the all-Air Force team for six years and was selected for the all U.S team. 

"It was an honor to play with my comrades from the other services," he said. 

The best players will now face off against the best military competition from the Western Hemisphere. The CISM football tournament has been held previously in Brazil and Canada. 

The members of the all U.S. team are: 
Players
AEAN Randy Lucky 
CPT Andrew Filauro
HN Isael Garza
BUCN Joseph Coyle
CPL Kofi Agyman
1 LT Kurt Hunt
GSM2 Rohan Hall
SSgt. Quincey Collins
SSGT Gabriel JaramiIlo
LT William McGuillivray
SPC Tyler Stratford
SGT Jose Donjuan
CPL Michael Callaway
1 LT Luke Barnes
SrA Peter Miller
SGT Barry Baptist-Swift
SSG Titus Kumau
Staff
Head Coach: SFC Agustin "AUGGIE" Mendez 
Asst Coach: LT COL Bamidele "DJ" Abogunrin