The White Falcon - 10.09.1993, Qupperneq 8

U.S. defeats Iceland in friendship game
American fans
give U.S. team
feeling of home
By J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Stepping onto the soggy field, with
drizzling rain falling on their heads,
the U. S. National Soccer team was
pleasantly surprised to encounter a
warm welcome... in Iceland of all
places!
Hundreds of American spectators
from Naval Air Station, Kefiavfk,
traveled to Reykjavik to lend support
to the visiting team.
“That was the greatest cheering
support we ’ve had in any game played
overseas,” remarked one U. S. player.
The team’s press officer, Dean Linke,
agreed and added, “Usually, the
crowds overseas are totally behind the
home team, so it was nice to have all
this support here in Iceland.”
Commenting on the 1-0 victory for
the U. S., Linke noted that the Ice-
landic team played an excellent game.
“Holding them to zero was a notewor-
thy feat in itself, but winning the game
was even more important to us. Any-
time you can come away with a win
overseas, no matter who the team is,
it’s a tremendous accomplishment.”
Currently, the U. S. National team
is trying to get in as many practice
games as possible to prepare for next
summer’s World Cup competition.
Interestingly enough, the United States
will host the month-long event for the
first time in soccer history.
Although soccer isn’t as popular in
the states as it is in other parts of the
world, there are plenty of die-hard
Thomas Dooley (left) slides in the rain soaked grass as Cobi Jones (right) scrambles to recover the
ball from a member of the Icelandic National team (middle). (Photo by PH 1 (AC) Mark Kettenhofen)
fans of the sport among Americans
Some of those fans, stationed here ir
Iceland, jumped at the opportunity tc
watch a professional match when the)
heard the U. S. team was coming.
“I’ve played soccer since junior higl
school," said Chris Almli. “I love thf
excitement and action of the sport, sc
it’s awesome to get the chance to sec
the U. S. team play.”
According to many fans, the leve
of play for the game was better thar
expected, considering that eight U. S
players were not on hand to play.
Each team had 10 shots on goal
recorded, but the difference in the
game was the penalties. Iceland got
caught offsides 11 times, whereas the
U. S. had only three offsides.
With American flags waving, hundreds of supporters cheer
on the U.S. team. (Photo by J02 Carlos Bongioanni.)
Lifeguard shortage forces cut backs at base pool
By SN Sam Stelnllne
It was almost 5 p.m., and the
base pool was crowded as usual.
The two lifeguards on duty had
their hands full ensuring both
minor and life-threatening acci-
dents didn’t occur.
The lifeguards’ presence also
ensured that patrons would have
a place to use for their water rec-
reational activities. However,
bathers no longer have that as-
surance.
Due to a lack of lifeguards cm
the day shift, the pool will be
closed until 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
“As unhappy as I am about
closing the pool during the day-
time, it must be done,” stated
Larry Dumlao, Head Lifeguard
at the pool. “The fact that we do
not have a day staff will severly
hamper our operations. This will
be manifested by cutting down
on children’s swim lessons, lap
swimming and the administering
of physical fitness tests.”
The next lifeguard course is
scheduled for January. Measures
are being taken, though, to offer
another course in October. Base
members are highly encourag
to serve their community by
ing the course and becoming
part of the lifeguard team.

8
The White Falcon