Friday, September 28, 2012

LAPD Soccer Plays Visiting British Military Soccer Team



British Household Calvary Regiment


LAPD Soccer plays Visiting British Military Soccer Team


On September 28, 2012, The LAPD Soccer Team played a visiting British Military Soccer Team that represented the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment from Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge, London at Cathedral High School in downtown Los Angeles.

A brief history of the British Household Cavalry:  It has always ridden, marched and stood closest to the Empire’s Monarch since it was founded in 1660.  It is famous worldwide for both outstanding pageantry and gallantry on the battlefield.  Its principal function is to act in the protection of the Monarch as well as being a fully operational military regiment that has most recently been deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan.

The Cavalry’s team manager is Captain Fred Hopkinson, a stellar officer of the regiment.  He advised that all his men are on active duty and many of the 20-man soccer team were slated for deployment to Afghanistan next Spring.
 
 As the soccer game began, it was quite evident that the Brits were an extremely young, fit and an aggressive opponent.  They were very quick on the ball and challenged our players on every possession both physically and tactically.

As the game progressed, LAPD’s defense stood their ground and thwarted several offensive plays by the Brits.  The quick movement of the ball by LAPD appeared to confuse them.
 
After observing the Brits style of soccer, LAPD made some minor adjustments to their tactics and subsequently got the first goal.  This seemed to strike a fury in them as they were more determined to take the game to us.  Fortunately the LAPD player’s skill and tactics played havoc with the Brit’s defense.  Again LAPD scored.
  
In the end, LAPD dominated the match with a resounding score of 6-1.  The Brits appeared to be somewhat surprised at the level of confidence and skills the LAPD possessed.  However, they truly enjoyed the level of competition and are looking forward to returning next year to challenge LAPD again.

There was a very unique and special bond that was forged between all the players from each team.  Being able to meet these fine young men and compete in a sport we all love was a wonderful moment, one that we will all remember and cherish for many years to come.
 
We wish the very best to our brother from Britain and thank them for their service to their country and a mission of world peace.  God Bless and keep them safe.


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Visiting British Military Soccer Squad (red jerseys) with LAPD Soccer Team

Goalie Manny Mendieta & Defense-man Kevin Curry

Kenny Pintado #3

Kenny #3 challenges for the ball

Juan Lopez drives the ball down field


Joel Dominguez sets up the play from mid-field

Defense-man Kevin  sends the play forward

Defense-man Geoff Carlson #15 controls the back field clearing the ball.

Goalie Manny Mendieta clears the ball

Joel Dominguez (center) is assisted by #7 Brian Rivas
British Military Soccer Team Members

LAPD Brian Rivas and Joel Dominguez in white

Kevin  

Kevin  #14 puts pressure on the Brits

Kenny Pintado #6 forcing the play

Brits changing to game jerseys

Brits move down field on the attack

Brits up for a header - Goalie Manny is ready for it.

Defender Geoff Carlson and Kevin  box in the Brits

Brian Rivas and Juan Lopez make up the defensive wall

Goalie Manny Mandieta takes control of the ball

Goalie Manny punches the ball away from the Brits
Brits checking their tactics & strategy for the 2nd half


Juan Lopez tries to shield the shot on goal

Joey Stevenson working hard as a forward

Kevin  sets the offense up with a precise header/pass

Brits moving back on defense

Joel Dominguez heads the ball out from a corner kick

Brian Rivas controls the ball for the offense
David Blake heads the ball forward to his teammate Joey Stevenson


Brits form a defensive wall to thwart LAPD's shot on goal


Brits defend their goal from an offensive surge from LAPD


Fernando Calvillo helps anchor the defense - helps to set up offense

Brian Rivas sends the ball long for an offensive pass
Fernando heads the ball while Brian Rivas provides support

Brian Rivas heads the ball down field to the offense

David survey's the field for a pass with Fernando trailing the play

LAPD closing in on the Brits play

Brian Rivas is surrounded by the Brits hounding at his heels

David Blake holds off the aggressive play of the Brits

Brits Goalie makes a spectacular save on a LAPD shot on goal

David Blake controlling the ball
Brits Soccer Manager  Captain Fred Hopkinson & LAPD Coach Hugo Cepeida

Monday, August 13, 2012

U.S. Police & Fire Championships - LAPD Takes Bronze Medal June 2012



LAPD Soccer Team - San Diego Games
Standing:  L-R.... Coach Hugo Cepeida, Edgar Ramos, Sean Norwook, David Blake, Mark Hubert, Hugo Virrueta, Joey Stevenson, Kevin Bonilla, Geoff Carlson, Manny Mandieta, Coach Don Barfield.
Squating:  L-R.... Sifredo Cano, Brian Rivas, Kenny Pitado, Elias Aguayo, Joel Dominguez, Alberto Duenas, Woen Lee.  Missing from photo....  Kevin  & and Luis Interiano - Goalie.
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The LAPD Soccer Team, coached by Hugo Cepeida, traveled to San Diego this past June  to compete in the newly named U.S. Police & Fire Championships – previously known as the Western States Police & Fire Games.  This is one of the premier law enforcement sporting events in the nation.
The schedule for the ‘men’s open’ was, as usual, a grueling one.  LAPD played six games in five days.  No other organized soccer event plays that many games in so few of days.  And to top it off in the qualifying rounds, we played 2-games per day for a total of 4-games in just 2-days just to qualify for the medal round.
Monday, our first two games went relatively smooth, sustaining wins over the Ventura Sheriff’s Office, 3-0 and the U.S. Border Patrol, 2-0. 
On day two, we were pitted against California Department of Corrections where in again we had a strong performance winning 3-1.
Our second game of the day was against San Francisco Combo Team.  LAPD has had a long time rivalry with San Francisco for decades.  They are a strong, physical and a very determined team.  This game proved to be all of that and more.  The physical play escalated wherein several San Francisco players were ejected for their harsh play.  LAPD maintained their posture and subsequently won 2-0 to advance.
On Thursday, we were on to the semifinals.  LAPD drew San Diego Fire as their opponent.  SD Fire is a talented and daunting team.  LAPD met them head on, having several opportunities to score.  Unfortunately, so did SD Fire.  Both teams were reeling from four brutal prelim games that had taken a toll on all.  Several players were unable to continue due to injuries, leaving us with fewer and fewer players to play.  Our goalie, Officer Luis Interiano played a magnificent game, taking on excellent quality shots from SD Fire, stopping attempt after attempt.  Luis stood tall and at the end of regulation time, it was tied 1-1. 
The overtime proved to have no effect on the score, so on to penalty kicks to determine the winner.  In this head to head battle, after the first 5-players from each team the score was unchanged.  SD Fire managed to score on their sixth attempt while LAPD failed.  SD Fire advanced to the Gold Medal round while LAPD moved on to the Bronze Medal round.
On Friday, as faith would have it, we played the second team of LAPD, headed by Art Mares.  Two LAPD teams played each other for the third place medal.  By half time the score was 0-0.  Both teams played with a winning spirit, however fatigue and injuries played a big part on both teams.  LAPD – Cepeida managed to score in the second half and by the time the clock ran out, LAPD – Cepeida won 3-0 and received the Bronze Medal.
In the end, LAPD – Cepeida ended up in 3rd place overall out of 16-teams.  We are all proud of our accomplishments and look forward to our next tournament in September.   
Our next soccer tournament is the North American Police Soccer Championships to be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada the week of September 2nd, 2012.  This soccer tournament brings together the finest law enforcement agencies in all of North America.  

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