Greenport, NY hosts ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Soccer Tournament
By Mike Acebo

The Oysterponds soccer field was the site of an exciting international soccer game last Sunday. The sail training vessels CAPITAN MIRANDA of Uruguay and CISNE BRANCO of Brazil fielded full teams for the Greenport ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® soccer tournament. This match proved to be well played with displays of crisp passing, exciting scoring plays and tough defense. The international rivalry and pride was evident throughout the game.

The Brazilian team took a 2-1 lead into the half after a beautiful cross to a header for a score. They were able to open up the game in the second half and won by a score of 5-1. The winning CISNE BRANCO team received a certificate as tournament champs while jersey #2 was awarded the game ball as outstanding player. The team from CAPITAN MIRANDA gained two new practice balls and, with a lot of laughs, new gloves for the goalkeeper.

Thanks go to Bruno Semon, Bob Mills & the Oysterponds School Board and Superintendent Rita Mattus for providing the help and facilities for this event. Local soccer players Faye Miller, Jeff Rogers, Edgar Acero and Gus Acero worked the game as referees and linesmen and deserve a hearty thank you.

Mike Acebo