A large crowd gathered on the soccer field on Saturday, November 19 for the 15th Annual Turkey Bowl. This long-standing community tradition at YISS is a friendly but fierce annual soccer match that pits the Dads’ Club United (DC United) against the YISS Staff Football Club (YSFC) for the honor and glory of taking home the trophy. This year in particular, beautiful weather, the anticipation of a tight match, and an abundance of great raffle prizes contributed to a large number of spectators coming out to cheer for both teams. The match consisted of three 30-minute periods, and both squads showcased skills that led to an intense, nail-biter of a match.

Last year, the YISS Staff Football Club took possession of the trophy in a very close game, which made DC United extremely eager for a steal. The first period saw DC United come out strong with an early 3-1 lead, but the teachers and staff fought back hard. The second period was dominated by the Staff responding with three goals to take a 4-3 lead. The last period was an all-out physical battle as both teams battled for that final score. DC United finally equalized with less than 10 minutes left. 

To say the resulting penalty shootout was an epic battle is an understatement. With the match tied at 4:4 at the end of regulation, and tied again after the initial five kickers from each team took their turns, the match would not be settled until seven more kickers had their chance from each team! Ultimately, DC United prevailed with the narrowest of margins at 8-7.

The intermissions provided just enough time for MCs Dr. Esther Myong and Ms. Kim Samson to call out the names of lucky raffle prize winners. Thanks to the generous donations of three Korea National Soccer team jerseys and two Son Heung-min Tottenham Hotspur team uniforms, the prize raffle was even more exciting than usual! 

During the second intermission, the elementary cheerleaders performed an adorable routine to entertain the spectators as well as perform cheers from the sideline throughout the match. The team of 20 elementary school cheerleaders worked hard for several weeks under the guidance of our high school varsity cheerleaders to learn the choreographed routine in time for the big game. 

After the game, players from both teams came back together on the field for photographs, handshakes, and other friendly exchanges. Both players and families convened in the cafeteria to enjoy a delicious turkey lunch with all the trimmings. The Turkey Bowl was a wonderful event that brought our community together for friendly competition and a lot of fun. Thank you for all those who volunteered to make the event a success. Special thanks to our photographers Celina Lee (12), Heidi Roper, and Jiah Kim.