The fourth annual Dowagiac Cops Versus Coaches soccer game ended in a draw Saturday at Russom Park.

In the annual event, officers with the Dowagiac Police Department face off against local AYSO soccer coaches after the regular AYSO season ends.

This year, Dowagiac officers were also joined by members of the Pokagon Tribal Police. Players from both teams brought nonperishable food items as their entry fee.

Organizer Samantha Townsend has been working with police to grow the event each year. This year’s turnout was great on both sides of the ball, organizers said.

The coaches led the event early on.  They also usually lead the event later on.

This year, the local police enlisted even more youth players from their “auxiliary” ranks.  The police recognized in previous years that the youth players help to offset the suspiciously large playing fields.

The coaches played extra fair with the youth players.  The coaches’ team, always on the job, even coached a few auxiliary police players on passing and throw-ins during game play.

As the quarters drug on, the scales of justice shifted from a 4-2 deficit into a 5-5 tie.

There was some limited speculation whether the last goal was scored just in time, or several minutes after time ran out.  The referee (and cops’ MVP) Dave Ironside straightened things out, and the last-second goal was upheld.

The food items donated will be delivered to ACTION Ministries food pantry.

The director wanted to again thank all of the AYSO coaches and staff who participated in the community event.