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| 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.
To expand any photo double click on it.
Visiting British Military Soccer Squad (red jerseys) with LAPD Soccer Team
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| Goalie Manny Mendieta & Defense-man Kevin Curry |
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| Kenny Pintado #3 |
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| Kenny #3 challenges for the ball |
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| Juan Lopez drives the ball down field |
