Good Match

Greetings!!
Just came back from the game against Hilmann's team. Though the final score was 1-1, I think the team played really well.

First and foremost, we welcome back our defender/striker Mr Jared Wu Jiancong from overseas, and we also welcome Gavin aboard the SSC team :)

Think it was a fairly even game, many chances created by both sides and both sides worked hard to keep the other away. On our end, Cong started the match with several blistering runs before feeling the effects of the Singapore heat and humidity. But even then Cong made sure his presence was felt as he shrugged off defenders to chase for through passes. Jiahao was playing along-side and his pace and agility always made it difficult for the opponent's defense. Helping us open up the game were our wingers Sean Tan and Kang Yang. Commanding the centre of midfield were Jurgen and Tany. Jurgen switching back to a preferred role as a midfielder and stationing himself in front of the defense. And helping to build a wall in front of our goalkeeper were, Jason at right back, Simon Lim in an unusual position as left back, Alvin Hoi and Chao at the heart of the defense. And in goal is the ever present and ever enthusiastic keeper, Edward. The first half ended in a stalemate, as both sides struggled to create chances.

The 2nd half started with more composure shown by the SSC team, as they tried to keep possession of play and pressuring the opponent's defense. With the introduction of Dinesh for Cong in the first half, Lionel for Alvin hoi, Gavin for Jason, and Eduard lee for Simon, team SSC sought to break the deadlock. An unfortunate accident brought an abrupt end to Gavin's debut 5 mins into his introduction, but we thank him all the same for his contributions.
The game looked to continue on in deadlock, as both teams defended tooth and nail to keep the ball out of the net, and with many mis-taken chances by both sides, the game looked to end in a draw. But the breakthrough finally came, when a foul was made on Team SSC at the half way line, and Team SSC poured players into the penalty area. Chao stepped up to launch the ball diagonally into the penalty box, many heads were seen as many jumped to try to get to the ball, but the ball seemed intent on missing everyone and bounced its way into the back of the net, 1-0 to team SSC. A freak accident, but as they say in football, A goal is a goal :)! Congratulations poured as everyone remembered a similar situation in a MWS tournament years ago. It's Chao's first goal in many many years haha. As the match continued on, SSC tried to press on for that second goal, yet trying to maintain a good solid defense. With Jiahao dropped into midfield to help Tany and Jurgen to crowd out the central area and win the ball, SSC managed to gain more control. Chao almost got his second of the match, but he failed to connect with a corner taken by Sean Tan. Simon almost made his mark when he broke through the opponent's defense and was through on goal on the right, but a freakish bounce at the very last moment before he shot, caused the ball to sail wide of the goal. Cong almost got into the score sheet as well, as he tried to clear a cross by the opponents, who sent the ball into the SSC penalty box, with the ball hitting Cong's boot and almost scrambling into the SSC net, only to be denied by the post. I must say this is one time Cong is relieved that he did not score. Pressure began to mount on the SSC defense as the opponents sought for the equalizer, and it finally came, with less than 5mins left in the game, an attack saw the opponents catching the SSC keeper off his line, and with an audacious attempt, he tried to chip the keeper, and it worked. 1-1!! With both sides in a cautious mood, the game ended in a stalemate at 1-1. Good game guys!!

~chao (",)