The Western States Police & Fire Games (WSP&FG) are always one of the premiere athletic events of the year. There is always a grueling schedule with five days of continuous soccer being played at the highest level that police and fire have to offer.
LAPD drew the following teams: Game #1: So Cal Combo; Game #2, LA County Sheriff’s; Game #3 LA County Fire and in the quarter finals, Ventura County Combo.
In the opening match against So Cal Combo, LAPD seemed to have difficulty getting their legs underneath themselves. That game ended in a 1-1 Tie.
Game #2 was against our old rivals, the LA County Sheriff’s. They came out physically hard, knocking us back on our feet. The first half was a 0-0 tie. We managed to collect ourselves and started to dominate the offense. In doing so, LAPD struck the first goal early in the second half. That was sufficient to win the match.
Game #3 was against LA County Fire. They are always a bur in our sides. They are fast, fit and very aggressive. Each team played hard, trying to wear down their opponent. As the clock ticked down, the score remained 0-0, another tie.
The win and two ties was sufficient to advance our team to the quarter finals to play against the Ventura County Combo Team. Unfortunately on this day, several of our players were call to duty, canceling their days off to work the Laker Basketball parade in downtown L.A. Three of our core players had to respond, leaving us short.
Ventura played us hard, forcing many mistakes by our players, one that subsequently turned into a goal for them. We dug our heals in, but to no avail, we could not find the net. Ventura won the game 1-0 thus eliminating us from further play. Congratulations to Venture.
On to our next tournament in August 13 thru 15, the Nevada Police & Fire Games in Las Vegas, NV.
Below are photographs of the various games played during the tournament. To enlarge them, just click on the photo and it will expand.
Carlos Diaz takes on the Sheriff's
Mark Hubert dances with the ball
Kevin clears the ball while defending his turf
The mid field challenges the Sheriff's
#11 Sean Norwood sets his sites on the Sheriff's
Kevin Bonilla takes charge of the ball
Ryan Lee sprints hard down field with the ball
LAPD Defends a headed ball toward their net
Sean Norwood controlls the flow of the game
Carlos Diaz is challenged by the Sheriff's defense
Edgar Ramos throws the ball into play
Julio Castillo-Lopez tries to set a shot as the Sheriff's goalie challenges him
Ryan Lee surveys his options down field
Edgar Ramos gets a leg in on the Sheriff's
Julio Castillo-Lopez and Geoff Carlson stand-up the Sheriff offense
Kevin Bonilla sprints down field for a shot on goal
Ryan Lee and Hugo Virrueta box out the Sheriff offensive player
Geoff Carlson pleads for some assistance
Kevin defends his goal heading the ball out
Ryan Lee takes charge in the defense
Jesse Reyes attacks the ball
Carlos Diaz moves the ball against LA County Fire
Julio Castillo-Lopez challenges County Fire
Sean Norwood takes charge on the ball, thwarting Co. Fire
Ryan Lee sends the ball downfield
Marlon Marrache uses his body to control the play
Marlon Marrache sizes up the play
Luis Interiano settles the ball for a long pass down field
Mark Hubert controlls the ball
Sean Norwood is challenged by County Fire
Scott Burkett is fouled in the back
Kevin keeps his eyes on the ball
County Fire on a corner kick across our goal mouth. Luis Interiano stops the threat
Luis Interiano controlls the ball
Sean Norwood puts County Fire on their heels
LAPD threatens County Fire with a high headed ball
County Fire stops the pass to Julio
Joey Stevenson uses his speed to get past the defender
Joey Stevenson fights for the ball
Julio Castillo-Lopez prepares to pass to Ryan Lee against Ventura Co Combo
Sean Norwood with an open field against Ventura Co Combo
Geoff Carlson is challenged by Ventura County Combo
Kevin Bonilla sends the ball down field
Carlos Diaz controlls the ball for the next play
Sean Norwood challenges the Ventura player to steal the ball
Carlos Diaz is squeezed between two players
Mark Hubert passes down field
LAPD defense defends their goal on a corner kick
Carlos Diaz checks his options with the ball
Geoff Carlson moves down field
Sean Norwood steals the ball again from Ventura
Mark Hubert sends the ball down field
Julio Castillo-Lopez passes ahead to Kevin Bonilla
Kevin defends his area
Ryan Lee clears the ball
Carlos Diaz passes up field
Marlon Marrache draws a crowd of Ventura players
Ryan Lee jumps into the offense to try and score