Match Review by Gerald Tan
The gloomy and wet weather conditions did not dampen the spirits of MFC players as they seeked their first win in 6 games in today's friendly against a new team consisting mainly of Caucasians and Indians. The turnout of the team was less than satisfactory even though the online signup form indicated the attendance of almost 20 players. Having said that, the team that turned out today was one of the strongest.
New goalkeeper Calvin took his spot between the posts with a strong defence in front of him consisting of Walter, Alan, Eric and Zirong. The midfield was a tried and tested one, with Hanrong and Alex returning to take their place with Gerald at centre midfield. Striker Guo Xian was flanked by Silas and Kartik, both looking to stamp their mark in MFC. Captain Walter's selected formation of 4-5-1 indicated a need to crowd out the opponent's midfield and cancel out service to one of their strikers; a tall and burly Caucasian player.
The match started off in typical fashion, with early exchanges between the 2 teams. MFC had the upper hand, with some good interceptions and interplay between the midfield and Guo Xian. It did not take long for the first goal to come. Guo Xian took his season's tally to an astonishing 20 goals through a well taken shot which slipped through the opposing goalkeeper's arms and past the goal line. The goal will certainly not rank among his favorites; but it is a milestone for him to reach his intended 20 goal target.
As the game progressed, the opponents slowly found their feet and they managed to put MFC defence under pressure for certain periods of the 1st half. MFC's defence certainly stood up to the test, thwarting several attacks through crucial tackles and playing the offside trap. One of the opposing striker was posing problems; his physical strength a worry for the defence. Fortunately, MFC held their discipline and he was stopped many times by Walter, Zhirong and Eric.
MFC also had their fair share of attacks, exposing the opponent's porous defence with clever runs by Kartik, Silas and later, Howard who came on midway through the first half. MFC had many chances to extend the lead, but both Guo Xian and Kartik failed to convert half decent chances due to a waterlogged and muddy pitch.
The score remained 1-0 to MFC at the break. It was clear that MFC needed to find the net again and try to keep a clean sheet to kill off the opposition and they did just that, roaring into the 2nd half, looking for the elusive 2nd goal. MFC had majority of the possesion thanks to centre midfielder Hanrong. His industry proved too much for the opposing team as he effectively broke down their attacks with hard running and clever tackling. His interventions ensured MFC kept the ball in possesion and more than often, he turned opposition attacks into counter attacks for MFC.
All of MFC's hardwork was repayed with the much needed 2nd goal from Alex. An interchange down the left flank between Gerald and Howard led to a long ball down the left flank for Guo Xian to latch on and cross it into the six yard box. Alex, who was well positioned in the penalty box, took advantage of a failed clearance from a defender to score; his shot deflected by the defender's leg and leaving the goalkeeper stranded in no man's land.
Substitute Gifford had 2 other half chances to make the score 3-0 but both times, he was forced out wide and stopped by defenders. Howard and Walter also tried from long range but failed to trouble the goalkeeper. The opponents staged a late comeback in the final stages of the match but keeper Calvin was equal to the task, pulling off 2 excellent saves to deny the opponents a goal.
The match ended 2-0 to MFC, making it the first win in 6 matches and the first clean sheet since the drab 0-0 draw with East Asia FC a few months back. This friendly match has certainly highlighted the potential MFC has and but there is still much work to be done, as heard from Team Captain Walter's end of match briefing to the team. Hopefully, MFC can extend this late run of good form to the rest of the upcoming matches.
High Points
1) Calvin's excellent shot stopping which earned MFC it's first clean sheet in a long time
2) Hanrong's never-stopping-always-running-always-chasing attitude
3) Guo Xian's milestone 20 goals
4) Defence played very well in snuffing out any possible attacks; Alan did well in his role at centre back
5) Silas and Kartik's lung busting runs down the flanks; they gave the opposing defenders lots to think about
Low Points
1) The pitch, nuff said
2) Miscommunications between keeper Calvin and the defence whenever he comes out early for the ball
3) Some MFC players need to keep their cool and listen to the referee's call, no matter how bad the referee's decision is
4) Why is there no water at the washing point?
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