7/6/2009 MFC Vs Loyalty FC Match Review & Photos

Match Review by Gerald Tan
Final Score: Loyalty FC 2 : 0 MFC

Looking to break a 2 game losing streak, MFC's opponents this week were none other than Loyalty FC, the team which MFC beat earlier in the season in a thrilling 10 goal fest. This time, however, MFC was wary; Loyalty FC was going all out for revenge for their earlier defeat. The turnout for today's game was good; strike partners Guo Xian and Norris were available and defence was back to full form with Alan returning from last week's absence. Daren Jay also made it after missing out from the past few weeks. Adopting a 4-4-2 formation, MFC went all out for a win. Before the match, Captain Eric reiterated learning points from previous lossed and he stressed the importance of controlling possession during gameplay.

The first half started evenly; MFC was containing Loyalty well and there were chances both ways. In truth, the match was all about possesion just as Eric stressed before the match and Loyalty were the better team in controlling the gameplay. They had more chances as well but each time they attempted an onslaught on goal, MFC was there to tidy up. Eric, as usual, was the rock in the defence; Firdaus, his defence partner, also fared just as well.

MFC attacked mainly from the flanks, with Howard and Alan playing initiating attacks from the right and left back positions. However, the wingers failed to find the break through needed to supply the ball to Norris and Guo Xian. Gifford almost got on the scoresheet though; he did well to muscle off his marker in a tussle for a high ball, his finish however was off target.

With the game seemingly heading for a 0-0 draw in halftime, Loyalty FC struck the first goal; a corner was not cleared properly and an unmarked Loyalty player reacted first with a well placed header. That goal seemed to suck out the energy from MFC's gameplay as Loyalty pushed harder to extend the lead. With MFC players feeling dejected, halftime couldn't be more timely.

With no changes in the formation during the half time talk, MFC headed out in the second half, knowing that they need a goal to spark the comeback. MFC did have a good chance to equalize via a well taken free kick from Alex which the Loyalty keeper did well to tip his shot over the bar.

Loyalty further extended their lead when a routine high ball to goalkeeper Cross was snatched away by a Loyalty player just outside the penalty box; the player duly crossed the ball for another Loyalty player to put the ball in the net despite best efforts from 2 MFC defenders on the line.

This second goal made the comeback seem so impossible for MFC. With the clock ticking down, MFC found it harder to break down the Loyalty resistance. With the dusk approaching, MFC's chances looked bleak. There was a decent call for penalty when Norris was bodychecked in the Loyalty FC penalty box but the referee was having non of it.

The match ended 2-0 to Loyalty and from the dejected faces of MFCians, the failure to reverse the losing streak played a part in the team morale. Bice Captain Walter's post match brief was straightforward and truthful; MFC was simply not playing to their potential. The rot has to stop, starting from next week.

High Points
1) MFC defence did well to stop the opposition on a few occasions
2) Cross's goal kick has improved tremendously since last season.
3) MFC's professionalism; They reacted appropriately to whatever threat or complains Loyalty FC posed to the referee.

Low Points
1) Goals conceded could have been prevented
2) Referee should have given more yellow cards especially when one Loyalty player hounded him for a decision made.
3) Lack of service from flanks and lack of cover from centre midfield

All photos courtesy of Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com)
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/7_06_09%20MFC%20VS%20Loyalty%20FC/