FUSSA FC battles Musketeers FC, loses 4-2

Ryo Oike, FUSSA Football Club player, makes a move past a Musketeers Football Club defender during the first half of a soccer game June 7, 2015, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The game was tied 1-1 at half time, with the FUSSA FC going on to lose 4-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Owsianka/Released)

FUSSA FC battles Musketeers FC, loses 4-2

Tachi Saguira, FUSSA Football Club player, passes the ball to a teammate during the second half of a soccer game against the Musketeers Football Club June 7, 2015, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The game was tied 1-1 at half time, with the FUSSA FC going on to lose 4-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Owsianka/Released)

FUSSA FC: Yokota's base team

Published June 10, 2015
By Airman 1st Class David C. Danford
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Soccer is a sport that requires teamwork, communication and a desire to improve from each player on and off the field mirroring key components to the success of the Air Force mission.

The introduction of Association Football to Japan is officially credited to Admiral Sir Archibald Lucius Douglas who taught the game and its rules to Japanese military cadets while an instructor at the Imperial Japanese Navy Academy during the 1870's. In the 140 years since, soccer has become a popular sport in Japan, and one more way in which U.S. service members strengthen the bonds of friendship with their host country.

The French, U.S., Swiss and Associates Football Club (FUSSA FC), a division three Tokyo Metropolis League team founded in 2011, includes Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Sailors from Yokusuka Naval Base and local nationals in its lineup. Based out of Fussa city the team is an offshoot of the division one club Swiss Kickers, and has shown consistent improvement in their four competitive seasons, culminating in their promotion to division two.

"Even though I won't be here next season I'm glad our team is getting promoted to division two; they've worked hard for it," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Simmons, 374th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of plans and programs. Simmons said the team was near achieving division two during the 2014 season, being just two wins away, but fell short. "We weren't going to make that mistake twice."

Throughout the four seasons, the team has played in 71 matches with 35 wins, 10 ties, 26 losses and an average of almost three goals per match. Most notably, the FUSSA FC won the Highland Cup Championship in 2013 after losing the finals in a penalty shootout the previous year. The tournament hosts teams from across Japan including all three divisions of the TML.

"During the last inter-league cup, we drew three division one teams and beat two of them," Simmons said. "We only lost to the best team in the league 2-1, so that was a huge statement for our team because we were right there; we held our own."

FUSSA FC also represents Team Yokota during tournaments held at Yokusuka NB and Camp Zama and participates in their league as the base team. As the roster contains a large number of military personnel the team has suffered from fluctuations in skill level due to permanent changes of station, temporary duties and mission requirements. Fortunately for Yokota, the team has an extensive depth chart that allows them to compete regardless of these setbacks.

"We already have replacements lined up and the plus side to PCS season is that while players are leaving, new players are coming in," said Airman 1st Class Ahmana Green, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment journeyman. "One of our core foundations is the presence of the local nationals. Most of the time we're filling positions around them because they're skill and experience will always be there."

Those interested in playing for the base team should attend open tryouts during practices every Thursday at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Yokota High School field.