Gingerland wins ISO world cup, 1-0

The International Student Organization held the finals of the ISO Mini World Cup Sunday afternoon on the Mountainlair Green.

The Gingerland team took the win, beating the Internationale team with a score of 1-0.

The players walked away with a T-shirt, trophy, and gift card to Olive Garden.

This year's tournament started off with 32 teams, with up to 10 players on each team.

The Gingerland team consisted of nine players: eight boys and one girl.

"I played for the international organization because I am an international student," said Alex Filipobic, a graduate economics student from Serbia who played for Gingerland. "It was a lot of fun, and luckily there was nice weather, so it all went well."

Gingerland's team consisted of students from the United States, but it included two international students from the Philippines and Serbia.

Students, faculty and staff came out to cheer on the teams, enjoying refreshments as they watched the match.

"I'm so glad that a lot of the faculty and staff are here, it really shows their support," said Eileen Haung, president of the ISO.

West Virginia University's soccer coach was present during the semifinals and finals to show his support. He hosted a shoot-off contest, letting players and audience members alike take a shot at a goal, giving Nike T-shirts as prizes.

Haung said several students approached her about having the tournament every semester.

She also noted the number of participants almost doubled from last year, also showing interest has grown in the event.

The captain of the Internationle team was a returning player from last year, she said. He met new people from the tournament and then formed his own team for this year's series.

Haung said this illustrates that the game is a good way for the international students and WVU students to meet new people and have fun.

Even students from the United States, like Josh Duye, a junior psychology major who played for Gingerland, are able to enjoy the event.

"Any chance I get to play soccer – I'll do it," Duye said.

Haung stressed that many international students and WVU students enjoy soccer, and the Mini World Cup gives them a unique opportunity to play with other students who share their interests.

"I think the most important thing isn't the prize but is the fun they have. They have a lot of fun and meet a lot of new people," Haung said.