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Shaw soccer team undefeated

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Shaw soccer team, composed primarily of active-duty Airmen and their dependents, is performing well in the Sumter soccer league this season.

The league has 11 teams and began play Jan. 6, said Capt. Jim Lee, 79th Fighter Squadron B flight commander, British Royal Air Force exchange officer and team manager.

"We are undefeated right now with a 4-0 record," Captain Lee said. "I am very happy with the team and the amount of participation."

Last season was tough, the captain said. Even though the Shaw soccer team won the championship, they didn't have a full roster because many people were either deployed or "no shows." There were many times where the 11-man team didn't even have a full starting line-up, let alone substitutes, but the core players stepped up and played hard when it counted.

"When I took over this season, I was determined to recruit a full roster and foster a team spirit that would ensure we had good attendances at the games," Captain Lee said. "The results have been wonderful. We have had 17 to 20 players show each weekend and we are playing well and getting results."

Captain Lee said his strategy is to start his strongest 11 players first. However, it is not at the expense of player participation.

"If you show up for the game, you will get to play," the captain said.

One of the best teams in the league is the Sumter Hawks A, Captain Lee said.

"If we beat them, then I don't' think there is any reason why we shouldn't win the entire league," he said.

Teammate Airman 1st Class William Justis, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron aircraft parts store apprentice, agrees.

"We will beat the Sumter Hawks A team," Airman Justis said. "Simply put, we're better."
If victory is secured, the captain said he will be looking for base funding and sponsorship to participate in the Columbia League.

"The Columbia League is much more competitive and we would face more exciting competition," Captain Lee said. "The league starts in about two weeks."

The Shaw soccer team plays Hartsville at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 and Las Palmas at 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at the soccer field next to the skate complex off Highway 378.

"All of our games are played there," Captain Lee said. "We would love to have any supporters come out and support our games."