Match Review by Gerald Tan
Final Score: Lega Calcio 6 : 1 MFC (Rong An 1)
MFC was geared up for this weekend's match against Sunsports Division 4 runner ups Lega Calcio. The opponents certainly looked formidable, with tall Indian players forming their backline and across the centre midfield.
MFC were missing regulars Norris and Guo Xian and their absence was sorely missed for what was to come. Howard, Kartik, Walter, Zirong, Alan formed the MFC defence, with Hanrong, Gerald, Alex and Chris all available for centre midfield. The attackers and wingers were Calvin, Jonathan, Rong An, Gifford, Alwyn.
The match went underway amidst the gloomy skies and Lega showed just why they were runner ups of Division 4. The sheer pace their attackers and their excellent clearance of MFC attacks meant that Lega played a fast counter attacking game. MFC defenders Alan, Zirong had to be at their best to fend off the attacks. To better counter them, Alan did a good job marshalling the backing, forcing Lega to fall into the offside trap on numerous occasions.
Lega soon took the lead as the strikers got the better of MFC's defenders. MFC's immediate response was stunning. Straight from kick off, Rong An scored with what was probably the goal of the match when he scored from the half way line during kickoff! The shot floated past the keepers head and it was such a good shot that Lega players applauded the goal!!
MFC then tried to take the game to Lega by trying to hold possession. However, as the Lega players were the hunger of the teams, MFC players could not hold possession for too long before being robbed by the Lega players. Just before half time, Lega scored again, making it 2-1. They almost made it 3, of not for some woeful fishing in front of an open goal. MFC also almost equalized but Alwyn was a little too late to tap Rong An's good low cross into an open goal.
At half time, Walter tried to play up the team morale and had a gameplan in mind. Motivated to get the equalizer, MFC started well at the start of the second half, as the Lega defence was put under pressure for a good 5 mins or so. However, MFC couldn't.longer put up the pressure after Lega scored their third from a half cleared corner kick.
The Lega players begun to play with more confidence and they were going for more goals. MFC's defence did well, in clearing the many long balls from Lega. Alan and Zirong did well too on many occasions to prevent Lega from scoring.
However, with Lega players being faster, more aggressive and more skilful, MFC struggled for the remaining of the game to put Lega under pressure. Rong An did his best upfront and he was MFC's main source of attacks. However, with a strong Lega defence, Rong An would never going to help the team equalize. As the minutes ticked by and with more players feeling tired, MFC would go onto concede 3 more goals, making the scoreline 6-1.
Keeper Gary did also well on a few occasions, stopping one on ones and shots from Lega. His task was made even harder thanks to the slippery conditions from the rain. Without him, the scoreline would have been more to Lega.
The referee's whistle came soon and the final score was 6-1 to Lega. Though it was a heavy defeat and a first defeat for quite some time, MFC players can take some learning pointers from this team in terms of learning how to be more calm and composed in a match. The truth was that while Lega players were better than most MFC players in terms of skills, speed and aggression, MFC could have stood a chance if the team played as a team to control the gameplay and frustrate the Lega Calcio players. That and also if the team had Guo Xian and Norris back.
High Points
1) Rong An's goal was a beauty and it was simply audacious! His match contribution was also good too.
2) MFC defenders did well. Walter headed more balls than he ever did and Alan's backline leadership was good. Kartik's flank runs were awesome too.
3) Gary made a few good saves in the match, saving a one on one chance and a few other low shots.
Low Points
I1) internal quarrels with MFC when a game is on. It affected MFC's motivation during the match.
2) Muddy and wet conditions with no place to shower or change. The toilet was quite a sight too.
3) Koh's new Sunsports league name: Sunsports BPL. Teams playing in the league must also choose a team name that is from the BPL. What happened to originality?
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