Los Angeles Police Department's Soccer Program: May 2012

6th Annual LA County Sheriff's Spring Soccer Cup

Our first major soccer tournament of 2012 was hosted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Athletic Association. Det/Sgt Ruben Nava is the host/coordinator this event. It is one of the premier tournaments pitting law enforcement and fire agencies against one another in fierce competition for the bragging rights to be the top soccer team in Los Angeles County.

Thirteen teams entered the competition this year with 8-teams in the open division, three in the 35 and older division and two women’s teams.

The “Open” brackets were composed of the following teams:

1. LAPD	5. LA County Sheriff’s
2. Pasadena Fire	6. Long Beach PD
3. LA City Fire	7. LA International Airport Police
4. The Olympian’s	8. LA County Fire

In our first game we drew the Pasadena Fire Department. They are a new team to the tournament. As the game progressed, it was found that they had not played together in preparation for the tournament. LAPD rolled to an easy 8-0 victory.

In our second game we played the LA City Fire. They are a well-disciplined team with a very high skill level and exude confidence in their play. Both teams played a very skilled and physical game with several shots on goal that were just wide of the mark. Additionally, Ofcr David Blake stepped up his game acting as our goalie. He was stellar in his approach and confidence. He made several exceptional saves to keep LAPD in the game.

LAPD’s forwards had difficulty in penetrating Fire’s defense. However several break-downs did occur, but LAPD was unable to capitalize on them. At the end, this hard fought battle ended in a 0-0 tie. Both clubs played well.

Our third preliminary round game was against another new team to the competition, the Olympians. A soccer club composed of mostly Korean men. They were anxious to compete. The Olympians played a solid defensive game, thwarting attempt after attempt, trying to penetrat them for a shot on goal. LAPD continued its relentless attacks and in the final 5-minutes, Ofcr David Blake won the match with a blistering shot from 20-yards out. LAPD advanced to the finals.

Due to the formula for determining the advancing teams, LAPD, although being undefeated and without allowing a single goal scored against them during the qualifying rounds, did not advance to the 1^st/2^nd place game. That was earned by LA City Fire. They played the winners of the alternate bracket, the LA County Fire for the Championship Game. LAPD played the LA Co Sheriff’s for 3^rd place.

In our final game of this two day event, both LAPD and LA Co. Sheriff’s played an exciting but physically draining game. The sheriff’s always challenge us with their technical soccer play, speed and skill lever. But in today’s match, LAPD was dominant. We moved up the field using our proven tactics, challenging the sheriff’s when they possessed the ball, causing them to turn it over. Our goal scoring was relentless, putting the sheriff’s on their heels. In the end, LAPD prevailed with a 5-0 win.

We wish to thank Det/Sgt Ruben Nava for an exception tournament. It was professionally organized and a pleasure to have been associated with it.

Our next major tournament will be at the United States Police & Fire Championships, held in San Diego, CA the week of June 16 through the 24^th, 2012.