All photos courtesy of Chris Lau
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/11_1_09%20MFC%20VS%20Aang%20Wolf/
Match Review by Gerald Tan
The pulsating 5 - 5 draw in last month's friendly against Aang Wolf meant that today's friendly against them was going to be a goals galore affair. In reality, the goals did come, but at the expense of Maestro FC.
The lineup for MFC included debutants Jonathan and Chris, friends of Silas and they took up roles in midfield. Jason also made a return from his long absence. In defence however, the lineup was frail at best. Vice Captain Eric took centre back but without his regular partner Firdaus or Alan. Silas was their replacement, with a half fit Walter and small Eric at right and left back. Cross resumed his duties between the posts. Guo Xian was the upfront alone.
With a revamped pitch, hopes for a win ran high among the players. Those hopes were brought down to earth right from the starting whistle; Aang Wolf played a very tight passing game and they pulled the strings in the match right. Howard's substitution for Walter after 10 minutes brought balance to the defence but by then, Aang Wolf had already established a stronghold on the match. MFC never looked like they were in the game. After missing a few clear scoring chances, Aang Wolf soon scored their first goal. With MFC on the back feet for most of the first half, scoring opportunities were far and few; Guo Xian suffered from the lack of scoring chances.
The 2nd goal also came from Aang Wolf, this time from a cross swinging from the right side which was not properly cleared. The Aang Wolf striker had time to execute a bicycle kick which went in above Cross. The 3rd goal came soon after and the lacklustre first half soon ended.
Captain Walter delivered the half time talk in which he urged all the players to communicate more and show more passion and committment to the game. His speech worked as MFC began the 2nd half in fiery mood. Several half chances were presented to some players but they were either wasted or saved by the goalkeeper. One of the best chances to score for MFC came to Gerald. Guo Xian chased a ball into the penalty box but the opposing goalkeeper came early off his line to clear. His clearance fell to Gerald and with an unguarded goal, his attempt to score from outside the penalty box went horribly wide.
Later in the 2nd half, injuries started to set in for MFC and the lack of substitutes took its toll on the team. Silas went out with a thigh strain and had to be replaced by a half fit Walter.
With time running down and no sign of a comeback on the cards, Aang Wolf scored their 4th goal when a corner kick clearance fell to an Aang Wolf player. He made no mistake from inside the penalty box, blasting the ball into the goal.
The match ended 4 - 0 to Aang Wolf. Though it really was a match which MFC threw away, credit still had to be given to Aang Wolf who were the better team today, showing more composure and organization especially in the first half.
High Points
1) Debutant Jonathan's performance signals better things to come in future.
2) Big Eric on a 5 star performance which prevented the team from conceding more goals.
3) The pitch was in it's best condition in months.
4) The team's reaction to the half time talk which spurred a spirited performance for the 2nd half.
5) Silas's friend Chris' "POWER" camera and tripod. It was more pro than anything else on the field.
Low Points
1) A lacklustre 1st half. The team did not communicate at all, leading to wayward passes and unforced errors.
2) Absence of some our regular players which could have made a difference today. Especially Alan and Firdaus
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