FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The All-Air Force Men's Soccer Team led by head coach Maj. Derrick J. Weyand took home the gold medal in the 2012 Armed Forces Soccer Championship Tournament Oct. 19 through Monday at Fort Eustis.
Air Force secured the championship with a 1-0 victory over the All-Navy squad in an all-out brawl. The championship round was a battle to the finish. First-year coach Weyand of Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., said the win meant everything.
"Our guys worked really hard throughout this tournament and today we made it happen," he said. "I'm so proud of these guys. They deserved this so much."
Last year, Air Force finished in fourth place.
"Leading up to this tournament, we focused on weeks of training, hard work, dedication and commitment." Weyland said. "These guys are amazing. What a great victory."
During the game, both teams appeared to match up well defensively, until the Air Force's offense received a spark from Airman 1st Class Jeremy Reding, Lackland AFB, Texas. Reding, a striker, stepped up and nailed the only goal of the game.
He finished off the Navy with the help of his teammates in the second half to lock down this year's championship.
"Winning this tournament was pretty meaningful. We fought hard all the way through," said Reding. "We came up with a good opportunity and I was just fortunate to score."
Reding added that the Navy was a very tough opponent. "We played them earlier in the round-robin tournament and they were fortunate enough to beat us, but it meant more to us when we came back and finished them off in the finals."
This year's tournament was well supported by all branches of services, especially family members and friends who came out to show support for their team.
"Although our team didn't win today, it's always a pleasure to come out and support team sports like this, especially soccer," said Carmen Peguero, Navy spouse.
The final results for 2012 Armed Forces Soccer Championship Tournament: Air Force 1st place, gold; Navy 2nd place, silver; Army, third place, and the Marines, fourth place.