FORT HOOD, Texas –
The All-Air Force team overwhelmed Army with its experience and skill in the opening game of the 2025 Armed Forces Men's Soccer Championship today.
Air Force got two first half goals from Capt. James Sims and 2nd Lt. Thaddaeus Dewing to grab a 2-0 lead while limiting the All-Army squad's scoring opportunities. Sims, from the U.S. Air Force Academy, headed in a goal on the second of two straight corner kicks by Air Force.
Air Force eventually secured a 4-2 victory. The Airmen beat Army to more 50-50 balls and forced more corner kicks.
"Coming into this game we knew it was going to be a battle with Army -- physical," said Air Force coach, Maj. Sam McNell said. "Obviously they're a much larger team than we are. The boys came out, we hit them first and played hard. And then we just kept up the energy throughout the game."
Led by Capt. Tucker Bone, a former MLS draft pick, Air Force boasted its most talented roster in years, McNell said. Air Force hosted training camp at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
"It was probably our most competitive tryout since I've been part of the program," McNell said.
Meanwhile Army (0-1-0) brought a talented but inexperienced roster. The Soldiers held a size advantage over the Airmen but often got out hustled.
Still, the All-Army soccer team weathered through a physical first half largely controlled by Air Force.
The Soldiers managed to bounce back after falling behind 2-0 when center back Modou Sowe headed in a goal off a right side corner from fellow Pfc. Isaac Garza in the 44th minute.
"We have a lot of new guys, maybe they felt the pressure they haven't played at this level before," He said. "We do have some vets 90% of our team is new."
In the closing seconds of first half stoppage time, Army again threatened Air Force on a breakaway but a no call on a collision ended the first half with Air Force leading 2-1.
In the second half, after scoring on a breakaway in the 51st minute, Air Force notched another goal in the 67th minute when 1st. Lt. Elijah Bussey scored off a deflected pass to put Air Force up 4-1.
However, Army would bounce back one last time.
In the 83rd minute, Army goalkeeper, SPC Nathan King, halted a breakaway drive by Air Force's Tyler Johnson. Then Pfc. Kelvin Kereva sent the ball to a teammate who cut the Airmen's lead to 4-2.
"Even though we're down, we're never going to give up," said coach. "These guys are big on resiliency. They bounce back fairly quick. We don't stop pushing we don't stop running till the last whistle blows."
Air Force (1-0-0) will face Navy today at 7 pm. Army takes on Navy at 7 p.m. Monday.