A two-day prequel to the upcoming DODEA-Europe Division I boys soccer tournament played out this weekend in Wiesbaden, and it was as close and competitive as the featured attraction is likely to be.

On Friday, defending champion Ramstein saw its usual stifling defense pierced early when Wiesbaden's Eric Arnold scored off an assist by Matthew Rangel for the game's first goal. But the Royals, not known for their quick-striking offense, came through with the goals they needed. Stephen Koch assisted Keal Collins just before halftime and found Kaleb Hoopes for a go-ahead goal just after the break as the Royals earned a 2-1 comeback victory.

Wiesbaden evened its weekend record on Saturday as Vilseck, another Division I hopeful, came to town. The Warriors earned a 2-0 win as Rangel and Asante Lattimore scored a goal apiece and Matias Chavez made five saves in a shutout effort in goal.

More Division I action awaits next weekend, the last of the regular season. International School of Brussels travels to Wiesbaden and Ramstein, while SHAPE visits Kaiserslautern and Vilseck hosts Stuttgart.

Marymount 3, Naples 1: Friday at Rome, the host Royals recorded an impressive win over the Division I Wildcats. All of the game's goals came after halftime, including one by Naples' Ryan Ramirez off an assist by Marcello Esposti. But Marymount overwhelmed the visitors on the other end, scoring three times in the half to run away with the win.

The loss was the first of the season for Naples, though the Wildcats have now gone two games without a win after tying Stuttgart last Saturday.

Bitburg 2, Hohenfels 0: Friday at Bitburg, Jason Cruz and Alex Rodriquez scored a goal apiece as the home team blanked the Tigers.

The win is the second in the last three games for the Barons, who started the season with three consecutive losses. Bitburg has one more regular-season fixture, against Division II rival Black Forest Academy on May 14, before heading into the tournament.

Hohenfels 12, Baumholder 0: Saturday at Baumholder, the Tigers recovered from their Friday setback at the expense of the overmatched Bucs.

Kiernan Blouin scored four goals, Angel Avila had three and Ben Harrison added two in the Tiger mauling.

Lakenheath 5, Brussels 1: Saturday at Brussels, the visiting Lancers scored four second-half goals to distance themselves from the Brigands.

Ethan Fitzgerald continued his strong season with three goals scored, while Tristin Reyes totaled a goal and three assists.

Brussels wraps up its regular season this week with a Tuesday date with crosstown rival ISB. Lakenheath hosts Alconbury next Saturday in its finale.

Stuttgart 3, BFA 1: Saturday at Stuttgart, the Panthers outlasted the visiting Falcons.

Faouzi Diarassouba, Ethan Center and Dan Bacskai scored a goal apiece in the win.

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