M.C. Perry Win Double championships in 2012 Far East Tournament

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kenneth Trotter Jr. | (Left) Sierra Apple, a Matthew C. Perry High School Lady Samurai soccer player fights with an Osan American High School Lady cougar player for control of the ball during the 2012 Division II Far East Soccer Tournament at Penny Lake field here May 25, 2012. The tournament started May 21. The Lady Samurai won the championship 5-2. The Lady Samurai were able to pull away with a series of late scores. This was the Lady Samurai’s first championship and the first time both the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams have won championships simultaneously, with the Samurai beating the Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians at Osan 4-2.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

05.25.2012

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - The Samurai set their eyes on the prize, a possible second Far East Championship title. The boys endured a tough week in Osan, Korea.

The Samurai played through round-robin tournament, winning every game they played. This would be the second championship for the Samurai, who battled against the Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians. Both teams focused on victory at the start of the tournament. The Samurai were quite familiar with the Guardians, as the two teams have played for the championship three years in a row, with the Samurai winning their first year.

Coach Mark Lange gathered his team in a huddle before the game and embraced them on the Osan American High School field. Sweat dripped from their foreheads. Coach Lange looked them in the eyes, “Many minds, one heart.”

The weather was seemingly perfect and within the first half, a goal was made. The Yongsan International School of Seoul Guardians scored the first goal within minutes, causing the Samurai to focus on the game.

The Samurai quickly got revenge, responding with a by sophomore Gaku Lange. During the second half, neither team scored, leaving both YISS and Perry in a dead tie.

The game moved on to penalty kicks. Players who represented Perry for penalty kicks were Lange, junior Yasuki Milsop, senior Yuta Fleming and senior Tyelor Apple. The game's outcome would depend on Apple’s penalty kick. Yet, the record breaking scorer of the Pacific would not disappoint, bringing in a final goal which would bring them victory.

Apple, who was named to the Far East Pacific All Tournament team for Japan, also scored a total of 64 goals for the 2011-2012 soccer season.

“Coach Lange is probably one of the best coaches in (Department of Defense Dependents Schools), not only in soccer but tennis as well," said Apple. "In the last three years he’s coached both teams to multiple championships. The way he brings the team together through his fatherly figure is something that I’ll miss as I move onto college.”

The final game ended with a score of 4-2. Alex Barker, M.C. Perry senior and Samurai player, spoke about what the championship game meant to him.

“Winning the championship game was like the cherry on top for my senior year," said Barker. "Watching the team grow was a profound experience and I wish them the best of luck in being the future Samurai
soccer team.”

• Date Taken: 05.25.2012
• Date Posted: 06.19.2012 02:22
• Story ID: 90220
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP