TONDELA, Portugal (Interstat) — Defence Force opened its Ascension Invitational Tournament campaign with a 1-0 victory over Police on Sunday at Estádio João Cardoso.

The lone goal, scored in the first half, came from a team buildup. Defender Brayan Medina initiated the play with a pass forward, leading to assists from forward Jordan Siebatcheu and substitute Gustaf Lagerbielke, who set up the final finish.

The match was a physical contest, producing five yellow cards. Lagerbielke, after receiving a caution in the 66th minute, was later sent off with a red card in the 82nd. Defence Force held on despite being a man down for the final stretch. The result defied a pregame projection that slightly favored Defence Force.