MCAS Yuma hosting west coast air station soccer tourney

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is once again hosting the West Coast Soccer Regional, with games to be played at its Ramada Field.

Approximately 150 Marines, making up eight teams from air stations from the western United States, are competing in the tournament, which is run to select players for the All-Marine soccer tryouts.

"The tournament is fun and there is pride in winning it," said Lance Cpl. Greg Aalto. "But the main purpose is selecting players for the All-Marine team."

Aalto said the tournament begins todayon Tuesday and runs through Friday, with MCAS Yuma playing in a total of six games.

Opening ceremonies for the tournament will be held on Tuesday morning with games being being played everyday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Aalto added that there will be an extra game on Tuesday played at 7 p.m.

MCAS Yuma will play in a total of six games, starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. They will also play at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 a.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday.

"The only base with two teams is Camp Pendleton," Aalto said. "One of their teams, the First Marine Logistics Group won last year."

Last year, Yuma’s team placed third, and two Yuma players were selected to try out for the All-Marine team, with one selected.

"Only a select few will get chosen," Aalto said. "Once you get selected you still have to try out for the team."

The Yuma Marine selected was Julio Alvarez, the team's goalie. Alvarez went on to make the All-Marine team as the back-up goalie and even started in one of their games.

"He won't be trying out again this year because he is currently deployed," Aalto said.

In explaining how the All-Marine team is formed Aalto said 10 Marines will be chosen from the players at the Yuma tournament, along with 10 Marines from a similar tournament on the East Coast and 10 from Japan.

Tryouts for the All-Marine team are being held in Cherry Point, N.C., shortly after the tournament concludes.

The All-Marine team will face the other services’ soccer teams in the Armed Forces tournament in early February at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.

MCAS Yuma hosted the tournament for the first time here last year.

Traditionally, the event has been held in California at MCAS Miramar or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Aalto added that MCAS Yuma received money from the Corps for hosting the event to refurbish and maintain its Ramada Field.

-----

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.