21/6/2009 MFC Vs Raven FC Match Review

Match Review by Jonathan Low
Final Score: Raven FC 2 : 2 MFC (Guo Xian, Alex)

Riding high from the previous week’s 8-2 result, MFC came into this week’s match against Raven FC looking to carry on the winning feeling. MFC players arrived for the game with high expectations. The previous meeting between the two teams was a friendly and the scoreline was 2-1 in favour of MFC. MFC welcomed back Zeng Yi and Jason after a lengthy absence. MFC had a near full strength team to choose from, with 5-6 available substitutes available. The team started off in a 4-4-2 formation and was looking to control the game early on. MFC began the game the better team but chances were few and far between the two sides.

MFC had a few goal scoring opportunities but failed to put them away. MFC’s defense was playing well, limiting any chances for Raven FC’s forwards. As the game wore on, Raven FC’s midfield began to take over, creating chances for their forwards.

MFC then went 0-2 down by conceding two quick goals from set pieces. The first was an own goal. The second goal conceded was a Raven FC player volleying home from close range after being left unmarked in the box. These were two soft goals conceded and could have been prevented.

By that point of time, MFC was looking lost and many players were playing out of position. MFC was inviting Raven FC on to them and was on the back foot for the remainder of the first half. The halftime whistle could not have come any sooner. However, there was an incident involving Guo Xian and a Raven FC player with the latter adjudged to have spat at Guo Xian. A mini scuffle broke out but was quickly resolved. Soon after, the referee blew for halftime leaving MFC with work to do in the second half. During the half time team talk, Captain Eric highlighted that MFC was giving too much time and space to Raven FC and urged MFC to keep possession by passing back to the defense

from time to time. This wasn’t the first time MFC was trailing during halftime and the team took to the second half with a more determined look on their faces.

MFC began the second half with a 4-5-1 formation to try and neutralise Raven’s FC midfield from controlling the game. This tactic worked as MFC began to attack more especially through the wings where Zeng Yi and Norris were giving the Raven FC fullbacks a torrid time. Guo Xian was leading the line well as the lone striker. MFC’s defence was also limiting any attacking opportunities created by Raven FC.

MFC was constantly pressurising Raven FC with their attacking play but could not finish the numerous chances that were created. MFC finally found the back of the net courtesy of Guo Xian. Alex played a ball over the Raven FC’s defense and Guo Xian made no mistake with a clinical finish to make the scoreline 1-2. MFC players sensed a comeback was on and pressed on in search for the equalizer.

MFC duly got the equalizer they richly deserved when Eric’s deflected pass was met first by Alex who got to the ball before the onrushing Raven FC goalkeeper. Cross then made a good save at the other end, tipping the goal bound shot over the bar as MFC went in search of the winning goal. With time running out, MFC looked the more likely of the two teams to get the winner but failed to make their chances count.

The match ended all square but MFCians once again showed they had the fighting spirit within them. With better finishing, MFC would have won the match. Nonetheless, the fighting spirit would hopefully be instilled in all MFCians as they look forward to the next opponents and getting back on the winning trail again. Come on you Bees!!

High Points
1) MFC’s much improved second half performance. “Never say it’s over till the final whistle is blown” attitude is a good learning experience.
2) Great job from MFC’s defence to limit the attacking threat posed by Raven FC.
3) Zeng Yi’s return added more pace to the attack.
4) MFCians winning more of the first ball.
5) Good turnout by MFC players.

Low Points
1) The first half spitting incident.
2) Some MFCians giving up and losting their cool after the 2-0 half time scoreline.
3) MFC players failing to put away numerous chances that were created.
4) The two soft goals conceded that could have been prevented.
5) Injuries to some MFCians like a Bandaged Alan, a “pieka” Alex, bruised ankled Calvin and kneecap injury for Silas.

All photos courtesy of Dawn and Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com)
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/21_06_09%20MFC%20VS%20Raven%20FC/