San Antonio, Texas –
David Schill scored second-seeded Patrick Air Force Base's only goal early in the first half to cement a 1-0 victory over ninth-seeded Columbus AFB, and capture the 2011 Lackland Defender Cup soccer title Monday at the STAR soccer complex.
Unfortunately for the Florida team, Schill's moment of glory came to a painful halt, when he suffered a shoulder injury late in the second half.
He was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center for examination, and his early-game exit was a letdown for his teammates.
"He's one of the (most important) guys on our team," said goalie Jon Olson, who was selected the tournament's top defensive player.
"It's awful to see him get the winning goal and not be able to celebrate with us."
Patrick preserved the lead by not allowing the Columbus AFB team from Mississippi to score in a physical and intense matchup. Patrick opened the two-day tournament with shutouts over Barksdale AFB, La., and Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sunday.
Lackland AFB, the Defender Cup host, was the only team to score on Patrick, suffering a 2-1 loss in the semifinals.
"It feels ridiculous," an ecstatic Olson said. "It's great and amazing. We just came out here and took care of business."
"We worked well as a team, so I think it's a well deserved victory," said Patrick midfielder Jared Gomez. "We have great chemistry and we worked hard. At the end of the day, that's all that matters."
Patrick had plenty of opportunities to score in the title game, but it was a battle with Columbus all the way to the finish. Columbus' grit garnered respect from the new Defender Cup champions.
"Columbus was the best and hardest team we played," Olson said. "I'll give them credit. They were the best team to play in terms of sportsmanship and on the field. "Anytime you're playing in a championship tournament like this, where 20 teams come down to two, it's going to be a tough game. We've got a good team that can take the hits."
Olson said the team has its sights set on defending the cup next year. "We're ready to defend our crown."