Fierce competition at Independence Day soccer match

11 July 2024

The annual fierce, yet friendly, US Independence Day soccer matches between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) took place at the Darwin Football Stadium on July 4.

Contested each year by a men’s and women’s team, the competition celebrates the close bond between Australia and the US.

According to Physical Training Instructor Chief Petty Officer Shane Murphy, both games were played in a friendly but competitive nature.

“Both matches were keenly contested and the action was red hot,” Chief Petty Officer Murphy said.

“Unfortunately for the neutral observers, the women’s match was a one-sided affair with the skill of the RAN team proving too much for the MRF-D team.”

Fortunately for the MRF-D supporters, the men’s competition was a little closer, with the RAN running out 2-0 winners, despite being reduced to 10 players early in the match.

Leading Seaman Jesse Pinto took out ‘player of the match’ in the men’s game, and Leading Seaman Brittany Rollason shone through to take out the title in the women’s match.

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