23/1/2011 MFC Vs Sunderland Triples Match Review

Match Review by Alan Chiang
Final Score: Sunderland Triples 3 : 1 MFC (Hakim)

Having lost 2-3 to Sunderland Triples at the last league game, Maestro FC was looking to nick it this time around while boosting a team of 17 players available for selection.

With Gary in goal, Walter, Alan, Zi Rong and Howard in defence, Gerald, Alex, Han Rong, Jeffery and Norris in midfield, and Gifford in front, Maestro FC started the game with a cautious approach. Maestro FC also had Chris Tan, Alywn, Guo Xian, Rong An and Kartik all ready to spring into action.

Maestro FC welcomed a couple of players and Hakim was certainly the bright spark for the team. Though Triples’ “speedy Gonzalez” put the opponents in front with a lobbing goal, it was Hakim who helped Maestro FC get back into the game quickly. Hakim got on to a loose ball in the opponents’ penalty area and smashed beyond Triples goalkeeper for the equalizer mid-way through the first half.

But bad news brought upon Alex who suffered an ankle twist after just ten minutes of action. Rong An also suffered a massive knock to his calf while playing towards the end. Maestro FC wishes them and the others a speedy recovery!

Maestro FC was definitely the better team who focused much on a possession game. But it was the Triples’ “speedy Gonzalez” who again exploited his speed and tricky to good use. The “speedy Gonzalez” dribbled past between Maestro’s central defense and left Gary in a hapless position.

Maestro FC continued to press on patiently and Gifford had a real clear chance after he was put through against the Triples goalkeeper. However, his first touch proved the decisive point as Triples goalkeeper was able to capture the rolling ball with ease.

The first half ended in the Triples’ favour and that did not stop Maestro FC from playing flowing football. It was unlucky for Maestro FC as Triples clinched their third goal of the game mid-way through the second half. And the villain, this time fell to another Triples’ “speedy Gonzalez”. But the goal could have been disallowed as the ball was already out-of-bound before the shot.

Guo Xian and Rong An were brought on in the second half to add steel to the frontline and it was Rong An who had a great chance at goal, but his resulting shot flew beyond the goal bar. Guo Xian also had a pot shot destined to the top corner if not for Triples’ goalkeeper’s heroic act.

Rong An also had a penalty denied by the referee towards the end of the match. The Triples’ centre defender had clearly brought Rong An down hard in the penalty box. It was unfortunate that the referee had “controlled” much for the entire match.

High Points

• Good weather
• Good turn-out
• Good possession game

Low Points

• Was the referee even interested to officiate the game? He seemed to fall asleep at making several crucial decisions.
• Why the pitch was still filled with cut grass?
• Still lack communication among teammates. Do we really need ice-breaker games?
• Speed killed our beautiful game.
• Lack penetration into opponents’ half