USA vs. Korea soccer to kick off Military World Games

One of the most anticipated matchups of the Military World Games will take place even before the 7,000 athletes from more than 100 nations march into the opening ceremonies, Oct. 2, in Mungyeong, South Korea.

On Sept. 30, the U.S. Armed Forces men's soccer team is scheduled to play the more experienced Republic of Korea team.

"The Korean team, we're told, trains together all year and plays in a semi-pro league," said assistant soccer coach Air Force Maj. Jeremiah Kirschman.

The U.S. team has only been together for two weeks. They've been training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California.

"The team has made a big transition from the first day," said assistant coach Master Sgt. Mario Marales. "They're playing pretty well together. Expectations are pretty high."

Kirschman, however, warns there are many factors working against his team next week.

This is the first time the U.S. men's soccer team has qualified for the World Games since 1999 in Croatia. The Conseil International du Sport Militaire, or CISM World Games, take place only every four years, the year prior to the summer Olympics.


http://www.army.mil/article/156122/USA_vs__Korea_soccer_to_kick_off_Military_World_Games/