The 14th Annual Turkey Bowl, a soccer match that pits the YISS Dads’ Club United against the YISS teachers and staff, took place on Saturday, May 21 after being postponed in the fall. Perfect weather on the day resulted in a large number of spectators cheering for both teams. The match consisted of three 30-minute periods, and both squads fielded robust rosters with many new faces, which led to an intense back-and-forth match.

After team introductions were announced by the MC Chief Academic Officer Dr. Esther Myong, the players made their entrance ripping through paper banners held by our elementary cheerleaders.  Spanning ten different countries, the roster not only displayed our school’s cultural diversity, but also showed the global popularity of soccer. 

The first period saw the YISS staff team come out strong with an early 3-0 lead, but DC United did not give up easily and continued to push forward, ensuring that it was not a comfortable lead. The first intermission provided time for the elementary cheerleaders to entertain the spectators with an adorable routine and the MCs to call out the first round of raffle prize winners. 

The second period saw a number of substitutes brought on for both teams, and the goal-fest continued with goals flying in left, right, and center. The game was perfectly balanced at 5-5 going into the final period.

The final period was a very tense affair with the YISS Staff Team pushing forward at every opportunity. There was some stalwart defending from DC United, but wave after wave of attack proved too much and the staff team got a goal to go up 6-5 and then finished the match with a late goal to seal the 7-5 win.

The YISS Staff Team lifted the trophy for the first time in five years, with many of their most seasoned members playing in their final game for YISS. It was an especially sweet victory and a game that will live long in the memories of all those in attendance.

The free donuts and raffle prizes provided by the YISS PTO added a sweet touch to the fun of this annual schoolwide event. Join us in November 2022 for the 15th Annual Turkey Bowl and a chance to see if DC United can win back the trophy!