Another champions league game at Tampines Safra and things didn't look good at the start of the game with ks and jq down with flu and JLO, Reubs and Seng playing on a full stomach.
We didn't start well and the opponents controlled the game. Wenwei, our new goalkeeper import from 'Germany' made several good saves at the start keeping the team in the game. Thus it was with absolute excitement that we scored our 1st goal courtesy of Leslie in the 15th minute. Coming against the run of play, the team had won a corner, which Jialiang had delivered beautifully to the far post, which Leslie tapped in with the slightest of touches! 1-0 Unido.
The lead was not to last. With the opponents making several through passes, and with ks and reubs having to make last ditch sliding tackles, it was inevitable that 1 got through. Turning ks and leaving him in his wake, the opponent striker rushed through and tapped the ball under Wenwei. 1-1.
Yet the team rebounded swiftly with 2 quick goals from JLO. Pushing the ball, and using his pace to his advantage, JLO put the game beyond doubt in the 1st half with 2 quick goals, leaving the opponents bemused with our version of 'Usain Bolt'. Yet JLO was rewarded too, with a yellow card for a minor fracas with the opponent midfielder, who had kicked him.
3-1 the score at half time.
With such a comfortable lead, the team sat back to defend it with a more defensive formation in the second half, sitting deep and absorbing attacks. Wenwei made several good saves again, and the opponents were left frustrated, especially their star midfielder, no. 2, who was well-shackled by both JQ and Seng. The midfielders and the defenders worked well to contain the threat, and we counter attacked on several occasions. it was with shock that the team saw JLO make good progress down the wing with his pace, putting in the cross, and seeing Shian miss the shot from 1m out and the keeper well beaten =P. Other than that, JLO had the other chance of the game but fluffed his chances of a hat trick by shotting wide.
Nevertheless, the whole team played well. Great teamwork. It would be a tough call for MOM between WW and JLO, but i think my call would have to go to WW who kept us in the game with several outstanding saves =).
Saturday, September 20, 2008
