Final Score: Sunsports Outside United FC 5 : 1 MFC (Guo Xian)
| Looking to embark on another winning run, MFC’s opponents this week were supposed to be Loco FC. However, due to an administrative error, MFC were handed their second league meeting of the season against the formidable Nigerians of Sunsports Outside United. The earlier league meeting between the two sides was a 5-1 defeat suffered by MFC. MFCians were no strangers to the Nigerians, their superior fitness and aerial ability and were looking for an improved performance this time around. With several regulars including Captain Eric and Vice Captain Walter out due to work or study commitments, MFC had to play with only a handful of available substitutes. |
Guo Xian was once again leading the line well for MFC with his hard running and this paid off as he opened the scoring with a fantastic goal. Guo Xian embarked on a great run starting from the centre circle, outpacing the Nigerians with his speed after a good pass by Alex. With Gifford beside him, helping to fend off the chasing Nigerians, Guo Xian made no mistake with his finish to give MFC the lead.
MFC were jubilant with the goal and sensed that this time around the score line could be different. However, Sunsports Outside United quickly brought MFC down to earth with two quick goals to take the lead. Both goals were scored from outside the penalty area after the Nigerians were not closed down quickly enough. MFC was also denied a penalty earlier in the match when Gifford was brought down in the box after being put through on goal but referee Xiao Li waved away the protests. Moments after, the halftime whistle blew as MFC once again went into the break with a deficit to overcome.
The first half ended 2-1 in favour of Sunsports Outside United. Sunsports Outside's physical presence was felt by many MFCians as many players were already feeling fatigued. It was stated in the halftime team talk that MFC had to defend better in order to stop the Nigerians. Ending with a team cheer, MFC took to the second half looking to get an equalizer.
MFC began the second half with the same 4-5-1 formation with Alan now partnering Firdaus at the heart of the defence. Sunsports Outside United were looking to play through the wings and they got their third goal soon after. However MFC did not let their heads drop as they tried a 2-7-1 formation in a bid to get two goals back. This formation was introduced by Guo Xian and it meant that the fullbacks were effectively wingers, pushing up more to join the attack.
This new formation worked to a certain extent as MFC created a few good chances but were let down by the finishing once again. MFC then went 3 goals behind when Sunsports Outside United scored their fourth goal of the game. By this point of time, MFC players looked resigned to another defeat by the Nigerian team. Some players were also losing their cool at the decisions made by Xiao Li and were booked for their protests.
An incident not related to the game happened at the sidelines when Koh was seen in a big argument with other person. All eyes were focused on the fight that was totally uncalled for, but the game had to go on. Within seconds, Sunsports Outside United got their fifth goal of the game after MFC were distracted by all the shouting that was going on the sidelines.
The match ended 5-1 once again to Sunsports Outside United. It was a sense of déjà-vu as MFC suffered another heavy defeat to the Nigerians despite their best efforts. During the post match debrief, it was stated that for future matches, MFC should have a better passing game so as to control the game. This is certainly something to work on as MFC looks to forget this defeat and look forward to achieving victory in the next game.
High Points
1) Guo Xian’s goal. It was the best goal of the match and it showed that the Nigerians are not unbeatable.
2) MFC’s players with their hard running to close down the opponents.
3) Norris played well as the role of centre back in the first half.
4) MFC defence doing their part to keep the score line down.
Low Points
1) Koh’s big argument on the sidelines resulting in MFC being distracted for the 5th goal conceded.
2) MFC players losing their cool with decisions made by referee Xiao Li and getting booked in the process.
3) Another 5-1 score line that does not do justice for the efforts MFCians put in the match.
4) MFC still needs to learn how to keep ball possession during matches like this.
All photos courtesy of Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com)
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/28_06_09%20MFC%20VS%20Sunsports%20Outside%20United/
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