Hurlburt’s 2013 soccer champs

The 9th Special Operations Squadron soccer team, poses for pictures with their newly awarded trophy after winning the 2013 Hurlburt Field Intramural Soccer Playoffs at the Alderholt gym on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 16. 16 teams, composed of various units on Hurlburt, competed in the tournament, making it one of the most participated in sporting events of the year for the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin)

Hurlburt’s 2013 soccer champs

A 9th Special Operations Squadron soccer player attempts to corner kick around a row of 1st Special Operation Force Support Squadron members during the final game of the 2013 Hurlburt Field Intramural Soccer Playoffs at the Alderholt gym on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 16. The 9th SOS defeated the 1st SOFSS in double overtime, 2-1, winning the tournament.. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin)

9th SOS team crowned as Hurlburt Field soccer champions

Published Aug. 29, 2013
By Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Members of the 9th Special Operations Squadron seized title of '2013 Hurlburt Soccer Champs' when they were the last team to be left standing at the conclusion the 2013 Hurlburt Field Intramural Soccer Playoffs at the football field next to the Alderholt gym on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 16.

The week-long, double-elimination tournament pitted 16 teams from various units around the base against each other for a trophy and a year's worth of bragging as Hurlburt Field's soccer best.

"It was a very successful tournament," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Shrable, the assistant sports director for 1st Special Operation Force Support Squadron. "We had a strong showing for the tournament and all the teams played like they wanted to win, which made the games very competitive."

In the final game, members of the 9th SOS team played the 1st SOFSS team, battling it out on equal footing and taking the game through double overtime, before the 9th SOS managed to a score a quick goal in the final - taking the lead, 2-1.

Their opponents immediately picked up the pace - pushing hard with corner kicks and fast breaks down the field in an attempt to tie the game, but to no avail.

"It was a tough loss," said Broderick Bryan, captain of the 1st SOFSS team. "I thought it was evenly matched game and both teams played with intensity. The only thing we could have done better was win."