JEDDAH, 12 December 2007 — The Girls’ Varsity soccer team from the American International School of Jeddah emerged victorious in the Intra-Kingdom Activities Conference tournament held in Dhahran.
AISJ lady kickers got off on the right foot by trouncing Jeddah Prep 8-1 in the opening round; then won 1-0 thriller versus AIS Riyadh. This set up a showdown against perennial powerhouse Dhahran Aramco. AISJ were able to effectively counter Aramco’s finely tuned technical teamwork, playing to a 1-1 draw. However, the result of the tie-breaking penalty kicks bounced AISJ into the loser’s bracket. The AISJ Lady Falcons responded valiantly by soaring to a 4-1 victory over BIS (Conti) of Jeddah, (who had avenged their loss to Riyadh and defeated Dhahran) setting up a rematch with the well-rested Aramco team. The championship game, which challenged the girls to play through their injuries and fatigue, showcased outstanding defense, stellar playmaking and impressive goals by the AISJ team in earning the decisive 3-2 victory.
The AISJ Falcons relinquished only 5 goals in 5 games. AISJ utilized a strong defensive scheme with Nora Zuhdi, Haneuy Park, Noorhan Shafy, and Aisha Wazne man-marking the opponents’ dangerous offensive threats, anchored impregnably by sweeper Briza Bohne, and stopper Nora Nezamuddin. Courageous goalkeeper Aliyah Khoja fractured her arm making a save in the semifinal game. Scoring 17 goals in 5 games, AISJ were also an offensive force to be reckoned with. Striker Danna Zahran and center midfielder Tara Assaad combined to create fine scoring opportunities, bolstered by the energetic hustle of Diana Manalastas, Maya Hashem and Roha Al-Nowaiser. Danna scored 6 goals and assisted on 3, Tara tallied 4 goals and 4 assists. Briza charged forward to nail 5 goals and to assist on 3.
All-tournament selections included Tara Assaad, Danna Zahran, Nora Nezamuddin and Briza Bohne from AISJ, and Noha Shohayeb and Reema Al-Juffali from BISJ.
British International School of Jeddah coached by Fiona Cope, battled their way through the losers bracket to finish third.
AISJ coach Brian Bohne marveled at the skill and tremendous resolve shown by his entire team in persevering to win the hard fought championship.
Coach Bohne inaugurated the first annual Jeddah Jamboree (6 vs. 6 Soccer Tourney for Girls) last spring (sponsored in part by Xerox), and is laying groundwork for the second in early May.
