Final Score: Bronx FC 5 : 1 MFC (Suffian 1)
After the whipping that Bronx FC dished out to MFC in the last time both teams met, MFC was charged up for today's game, to set things right. The team was a relatively strong one as well with 16 players for selection. Acting Captain Walter would have been spoiled for choice if not a lack of defensive cover as centre backs Hairul and Norris were not available. There was a new face in the defensive line though; Suffian's elder brother Zhar (apologies if I got the spelling wrong.) Walter's friend Afiq also turned up to play on the flanks.
MFC got off the blocks pretty fast and were all over Bronx FC for the first 15 minutes. Abi's speed down the flanks troubled the Bronx FC right back on a few occasions and he linked up well with MFC left back Kartik. The possesion and pressure did not pay off though as Bronx FC got the first goal against the run of play. A good run by a Bronx FC winger saw him go past the MFC defence and put the ball just beyond oncoming goalkeeper Cross as well.
The goal deflated MFCians but the players continued to put in their best efforts. Kartik was a player who did very well in his left back role. His tracking of the Bronx right winger was excellent as he cut out many attacks and even started some MFC attacks on the flanks ala Patrice Evra. MFC did not have to wait long for the equalizer courtesy of Suffian. He received the ball well from a free kick taken by his brother Zhar and took it past the Bronx FC defence before slotting it past the keeper who came out to intercept the ball. The goal lifted the spirits as MFC tried to take the lead. Sadly, it was the only goal that MFC would score today. Bronx FC scored again just before half time to make it 2-1.
At half time, the mood was disturbingly solemn and it did not help in the second half as MFCians struggled right from the second half whistle. There was no rhythm in the play and the posession was minimal. The players could not find the right passes and Bronx FC took advantage of that. Utilizing their speed down the flanks and frequently switching flanks, Bronx FC wore out the MFC left and right backs but each time, Zhar would be there to make a good tackle or clear an aerial ball. His presence in the defence did help to stabilise the nerves of the MFC players who clearly could not find their regular form.
Despite the players' best efforts, MFC would go onto to concede another 3 goals, most of which are soft goals which could have been prevented. It was a frustrating match for many MFC players and the final score of 5-1 was in fact worse than the 6-1 defeat earlier given that Bronx FC was playing with 10 men for the entire 90 minutes!
The post match mood was a quiet one. It will only be too easy to point the finger at any one player for their mistake in conceding a goal but MFCians should really take the chance to analyse their own mistakes made because really, other than Zhar and Kartik, no MFC player can safely say that they did their best today.
The top of the table is still available but MFCians need to find back the regular form so that the ultimate goal is kept alive.
High Points
1) Good performance by Kartik, he seems to have improved in recent games at the left back role. His departure in the second half allowed Bronx to attack more via the flanks
2) Zhar did well in his first match, his timely tackles and good heading reminds me of Eric whom we greatly miss.
3) The first 20 minutes of the match was a good start but sadly, MFC could not find the back of the net during this period.
Low Points
1) Many players were off form today with wayward and indecisive passing. There must be more improvements in the next match
2) Though the players gave their all, MFCians need to work more like a team than a group of talented individual players.
3) The 5-1 scoreline is flattering to Bronx FC who did not play exceptionally well.
4) Why do we not have any more match photos?
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