Soldiers compete in
soccer exhibition
U.S. Army Spc. Devin Chae, an Oak Ridge, Tenn. native, makes a save during an exhibition soccer match between Multinational Battle Group-East
soldiers and the Kosovo Security Force at the Training and Doctrine compound in Ferizaj Dec. 20.
Story and photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Stoffregen
4th Public Affairs Detachment
S
oldiers from Multinational Battle Group-East
participated in an exhibition soccer match against
members from the Kosovo Security Forces in Ferizaj
Dec 20.
have fun and see what happens.”
Chae said that though he let a few goals past him, he kept
focused on why they were there for the match: to have fun.
“We just had a friendly soccer match with the KSF at the
Training and Doctrine Compound,” said U.S. Army Capt.
Robert Schaffling, a staff officer with MNBG-E and a native
of Philadelphia. “It was a [sociable] game of soccer, us
versus them.”
“It was very exciting and interesting, much more because we
have a good dialogue and friendship with them,” said Sgt.
Dengiz Edreneli, member of the KSF. “It would be good to
make it a regular meeting, because it can assist our level of
dialogue and help increase our friendship.”
Schaffling said that it was a good way to collaborate with
the KSF and have a little fun instead of working all the time.
Edreneli said the score was close, 4 to 2, and maybe next
time the MNBG-E team may win.
MNBG-E Headquarters and Headquarters Company
organized the match as a morale building exercise, but due
to scheduling conflicts and weather delays, it took roughly
two months for the match to take place.
Schaffling said currently there are no other games scheduled,
but if there were, he would definitely be game to play.
“The purpose was to come out and show our support for the
KSF, not just in missions, but in morale too,” said U.S. Army
Spc. Devin Chae, a signal soldier with HHC.
Despite his reservations, Chae said he volunteered to play
goalie because he played the position with his last unit.
“I had the time of my life,” said Chae, an Oak Ridge, Tenn.
native.”I was a little nervous before I actually made the
decision to come out. I was afraid I wouldn’t be as good or
unable to pick it back up, but I came out and said let’s just
PG 22
“I was really proud of [our team], especially our goalie Spc.
Chae,” Schaffling said. “He came up with a lot of big saves
for us.”
Schaffling felt they did really well for a group of guys who
don’t play often together aside from a few pick-up games
on Camp Bondsteel. He said they really came together and
played well by figuring out who had strong sides on offense
and defense, and used that to their advantage.
“Physical fitness is a big part of our army and [for] the KSF,”
said Schaffling. “We got to come out here, match up together
and see how we do. It was a really good time.”