Soccer Fellowship Report [5th June]

The weather looked nice and cool after morning showers, but the heat soon turned up as players streamed in at Pasir Ris Secondary. There was an overwhelming sense of older players in blue, but before long, the younger players in red and white turned up to even the numbers. Yuen Wai led everyone in a time of devotion. He shared on the topic of disappointment and how everyone at some point in their lives would need to cope with it, regardless of status. He used the example of professional soccer players and 'stars' who also had to cope with disappointment as a result of missing out on the World Cup due to injuries. Similarly, we need to overcome disappointment in the areas of studies or work. He encouraged all to turn to God, who is always there to help us overcome disappointment in every aspect of our lives. After devotion, we welcomed a newcomer, Jacob, as well as Harold and Kenzie, who were joining us for the 2nd time.

The players were split into the Blues and Red/Whites (RWs) for the match. Play started with 11-a-side but very soon, the RWs had 2 substitutes to call upon. Much of the 1st 15min appeared to be disjointed, with poor first touches leaving the ball changing 'hands' ever too often without much control. The 1st clear cut chance of the match fell to Nigel of the RWs. A good cross from Jingzhong found him completely unmarked at the far post, but his defensive instincts took over and he did the Blues a favour by clearing the ball away from goal. Following that, the RWs gained the lion's share of possession, leaving the Blues with some half-chances which Steve and Ramon tried to put away but to no avail. The breakthrough finally came for the RWs when a long range shot by Marcus fooled everyone including GK Kelvin to find its way into the top corner of the net. The Blues tried to get back into the match, but even with Kee Min leading the way in midfield, too much possession was lost in the final third for anything significant to happen. In the dying minutes of the 1st half, the RWs got their 2nd goal when poor defending of a corner allowed Yi Jun too much space and he nodded the ball firmly into the back of the net.

The 2nd half started with the Blues trying their best to get back into the match, but the RWs defence of Jeremy, Ming Kiat and Marcus stood firm. Even the ever-reliable Ronnie was unable to breakdown this defensive wall. It was thus the RWs who again struck early in the half when Jacob, playing as RB, was accorded sufficient space to run down the flank and fire a long range effort into goal. It was a beautiful debut goal for him. The Blues truly had no answer, and even after playing a higher defensive line, Dominic was able to break through for RWs' 4th goal when he chipped the GK in a one-on-one situation. There would be no way back for the Blues in this one.