Dads’ Club United Defend the Turkey Bowl Cup
The 11th Annual Turkey Bowl, a soccer match which pits the Dads’ Club United against the YISS faculty/staff, took place on Saturday, April 20, on a beautiful spring day that made it well worth the wait after the game was postponed from November due to poor air quality. Spectators were greeted with donuts, hot chocolate, and refreshments. The game was just two 30-minute halves this year due to the uncertainty of squad size and limited practice opportunities after the rescheduling. With the game being postponed, the Dad’s Club team had been anxiously waiting for almost a year and a half to defend the Turkey Bowl Cup for the first time in nearly a decade. They held many Saturday morning practices to prepare for the big match.
Both squads had some significant roster turnover since the last game but were able to field competitive squads. After team introductions, the game was underway, and the YISS staff team was able to get off to a 2-0 lead early in the first half thanks to a goal off of a free kick deep in DC United territory followed by their second goal off of a penalty kick. Down 2-0 the Dad’s team were pressing after several close misses, but they were able to get a goal before the half after some substitutions provided fresh legs. The game entered half-time with the score, 2-1 YISS Staff.
Half time provided an opportunity for the Elementary School Cheer squad to entertain the spectators as well as a few of the many raffle prizes to be awarded to YISS students. Shortly after the half, the DC United team was able to tie the game 2-2 with a penalty kick of their own. The hard work and preparation of those many Saturday morning practices eventually paid off with two more goals set up off of some nice passing and teamwork.
The final score was DC United 4, YISS Staff 2. All those involved had a great time enjoying the teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship displayed throughout the morning. The spring weather was such a hit that there is discussion of an Easter Egg or Bunny Bowl in the future!
