Friendly Match vs SAL Report (24th June)

This was the final warm-up game for the PMC Soccer Team, taking on the Salvation Army (SAL) before CrossRoad Cup 2012 kicks off on 1st July. The entire team arrived at Pasir Ris Crest Seconday School on time at 3pm, including Jacob, who had touched down from Cambodia at 1pm after his week-long mission trip. This gave the team valuable time for a team talk, led by Kevin who focused on attitude and tactics. As the referee blew for the start of the match, the following started the match for PMC in the well-defined 4-4-1-1 Sweeper system:

Yi Jun

Isaiah

Jingzhong - Wenbin - Kee Min - Rusydi

Daniel Chen - Mark - Daniel Low

Weijie

Michael

PMC started off very well, with good communication and retention of possession. Passes were short and crisp, with Isaiah being the first to have a shot saved by the SAL GK. A few long balls and crosses also gave the SAL defence some trouble, but Yi Jun and Isaiah did not trouble the GK further. In fact, it was SAL who came closest within the first 20min when they managed to crash a freekick against the upright. They also had a few long balls which the defence had to scramble clear. It took a while before PMC stamped its authority on the match, and this was through a set-piece. A nicely floated in corner by Rusydi was met with a glancing header by Daniel Low to put PMC 1-0 up. This clearly gave the players confidence as they went on wave after wave of attack. SAL was doing its part by not sitting back too much, and also gave the defence work to do, but Weijie, Mark and Kee Min did very well to clear the danger time and again. Before half-time, PMC went 2-0 up, again through a set-piece. This time from a more central position, Rusydi took matters into his own hands and curled a beauty into the corner of the net with the SAL GK stranded. PMC looked good for its lead as the referee blew for half-time.

Isaiah moving in on goal

Rusydi prepares to take a corner

PMC players readying themselves for a freekick

Kevin commended the team on a job well done in the 1st half, clearly putting into practice communication, and tactics that were emphasized in the pre-match team talk. Changes were made to the 2nd half team, and the following took the field:

 Isaiah

Rusydi

Jingzhong - Andrew - Jeremy Sin -Jacob

Kevin - Mark - Daniel Low

Weijie

Michael

The 2nd half team carried on the good work by dominating play from the start. SAL also seemed to have some added spark with the addition of 2 fresh attacking players, who kept the defence on their toes. Much of the good work however, was done by PMC. With the attacking trio of Isaiah, Rusydi and Jacob having lots of space and link-up play, it was a matter of time before PMC's 3rd goal arrived. Rusydi finding his way into the box, was clearly tripped by an SAL defender and the referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot. Isaiah stepped up and fired the penalty into the roof of the net to put PMC 3-0 up. Within minutes of the re-start, Jeremy Tan came on for Isaiah, and Lincoln on for Jingzhong. Immediately, both were involved in the 4th goal with Lincoln passing to Jeremy Tan, who although had his shot on goal stopped, held up the ball well enough before passing to Rusydi who made no mistake from outside the box with the GK stranded. Rusydi was clearly having a man-of-the-match game, having been involved in all 4 goals. PMC's final substitutions were made with Jacob limping off after 20min, replaced by Kee Min and Nigel coming on for Daniel Low. Continuing to press on, PMC enjoyed a 5th goal by Jeremy Sin, who fired a stiff shot that the GK could not handle. It was good way for him to sign off before heading to Korea for attachment for the rest of July. 

All in all, the match was well played by everyone who took the field. Confidence seemed to have returned to the team through good communication, unity and commitment. Players also focused on their roles instead of trying to do everything and play solo. This augurs well for the team as they start their CRC2012 campaign in a week's time.

Friendly Match PMC vs RLC Report (17th June)

It was a hot and sunny afternoon. PMC players gathered early to have a warm-up together. We were surprised to see the overwhelming number of RLC players present, particularly with the addition of 4 tall Russian players. 

PMC players warming up

PMC starting 11:

Isaiah - Martin

Jingzhong - Dominic - Kee Min - Jacob

Daniel Chen - Weijie - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low

Sean

PMC started the brighter of the 2 teams, using our both wings to create chances for our 2 target men in front. With Dom and Kee Min bossing the mid-field with their tireless runs, PMC were able to keep more possession on the ball. Jacob had huge space on the right but was often holding the ball for too long and failed to make the cross. RLC only limited their play to long balls and the PMC defence was able to handle them splendidly. The combination of Isaiah and Martin proved to be a headache for RLC as our front two kept adding pressure to their defence. On one occasion, Isaiah sneaked through the RLC defence and was able to perform a tap-in but unfortunately for PMC, the ball hit the left pole with GK rooted to the ground. After waves of attacks from PMC, RLC took time to organise themselves and fought back in the last 15mins of the first half. However, both teams were unable to find the net and the halftime scoreline stayed at 0:0.

In an attempt to keep the team fresh and to prepare everybody for our upcoming tournament, PMC did a couple of changes to the starting line-up.

PMC starting 11:

Yi Jun - Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Wen Bin - Isaiah - Lincoln

Kee Min - Weijie - Dominic - Daniel Low

Sean

On the other hand, RLC changed almost the entire squad except the GK. Wenbin performed well as a DM after 2nd half kicked off and was able to distribute the ball nicely to our wings. Being the more energetic side, RLC immediately used the pace of their wings to carry out waves of attacks. With some neat and quick passes from their newly-established front three triangles, they were able to pull open PMC defence. First goal arrived early in the 2nd half as their right wing found some space on the right and scored with a clinical finish. And the 2nd goal followed soon after. Unfortunately for PMC, Weijie wasn't able to continue as he sustained a cramp and PMC found ourselves in a difficult situation without a recognised CB on the field. Changes were made with Isaiah dropped back to replace Weijie and Joel for Lincoln, Jacob on LB and Kee Min back to CM. After re-grouping, Yijun linked up well with JZ on the left and were able put in some crosses from the left. Jeremy Tan used his advantage in his pace to keep haunting RLC defence. On one occasion, Jeremy Tan blasted the ball on the right in an attempt to keep the ball in-play, and the ball flew just above the top right hand corner of the goal. The 3rd goal for RLC came when the PMC defence couldn't clear a free-kick on the right and a RLC player scored with a free header. The 4th and the 5th goals were scored from quick plays from the RLC front three triangles again. Late into the game, Jacob found a huge space on the left and learning from his prior mistakes, he swung in the ball early with a first-time effort, resulting a free header for Yijun but he sent it above the bar. The RLC No2, who was involved in our last strife, had a malicious and intentional stamp on Daniel Low's leg but was unpunished by the referee. Again, Daniel showed his professionalism by not reacting to it. And the final scoreline was a painful 0:5.

Isaiah gave some valuable reflections on our lost, stating that if the opponents were able to cause us internal problems as seen in this match, they had already won over our minds and we should learnt from today's lost. Martin and Sean also gave their thoughts on the game.

Soccer Fellowship Report (10th June)

It was a really really hot day on the Sunday afternoon and the field was well baked from the scorching heat. It was no surprise that it took awhile before players started to stream in and perhaps that also accounted for a slightly lower attendance of 14 players. It was good to see Samuel Pang return to soccer, and also to have a new face join us, Ivan (Dominic's friend).

Kevin started off the session with devotion, focusing on the topic of respect for one another, with the key verse being 1 Peter 2:17. He cited the lack of respect between fans and players in the early matches of Euro 2012 and encouraged everyone to not follow likewise during Soccer Fellowship and CRC2012 matches.

Players taking cover before play

We welcomed Ivan (middle)

It was Whites versus Colours for this session of Fellowship. Using half the field and chairs/bench for goalposts, play was fast paced and very energy sapping due to the heat. Both sides played short passes and there were some deft touches shown but the Colours led early with goals from Isaiah and Ronnie. Not to be outdone, the Whites also made sure they got themselves on the scoresheet with Yi Jun and Dominic. At half time, the Colours led 3-2, with Joel grabbing the Colours 3rd goal. 

After much needed rest, the teams swapped sides and played 6-on-6 with 1 player leaving from each side. With more space, there was more running and goals of course. Both teams chipped in with a couple of goals each before play ended and Isaiah closed the session in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (10th June)

Soccer Fellowship is back this Sunday, 10th June at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

Friendly Match vs TCPC Report

PMC starting 11:

Maurice

Dan Low - Jem - WeiJie - Damien

Lincoln - Dom - Jacob - JZ

Isaiah - YiJun

Highlights of the game:

Goal 1: Lincoln receiving the ball at the edge the box and curled a lofted ball that goes beyond the reach of TCPC gk.

Goal 2: Afew neat passing builtup into the box saw a scramble and Jacob manage to smash in the goal squeezing past a sea of players.

Possesion: PMC 80% TCPC 20%

2 Goals in the first half settled the game between PMC and TCPC, but do not be undermined by the mere 2 goals scoreline, for PMC had the lion share of possesion and spending almost the entire game in TCPC half.

The game begin with PMC loaning TCPC David as their players turned up pretty late. The game began shakily for both sides with stray passes and touch. Almost as soon as the game began, it came to a halt as TCPC had 2 players wearing the same colour top as the referee and were thus told to change. When the game resume, its clear that PMC is going to dominate the play as TCPC players cant seem to keep up their pace and strength with PMC midfield and striker. Quick closing and strong challenge easily disposses TCPC, and on many occasion, had the execution been spot on, the through balls and 1-2s would have been rewarded. The first goal came very soon out of the blue, as play was focus on the right chanel, with some neat play between Isaiah, Yijun, Jacob and finally the ball rolling into the path of Lincoln. Under pressure of being close down, Lincoln took a quick step in and decided to test TCPC gk with a lofted shot. I believe if Maurice, Sean or Michael were at the receiving end of this shot, they would have saved it, or at least palm it to safety. Well, apparently TCPC gk isnt, and a goal was rewarded for Lincoln's effort.

This goal brought much belief into PMC attacking minded players, as everyone decided to take as many potshots at TCPC gk whenever permitted. However, there were many times when an alternate better decision would have been preferred, where a simple cross or through ball would have released another teammate instead of the long shot. Yet still, PMC front 6 players had chance after chance at goal. Even in dead ball situation, PMC rose high to win the headers, but its always a more difficult effort at goal with the head than the feet. PMC second goal came this time from some neat play in the left channel between JZ, Dom, Yijun and finally the ball falling into the path of Jacob. Pushing the ball to the right, Jacob create just enough space to blast the ball into goal. Such is PMC dominance that they are encouraged to press really high, and as TCPC forwards dont provide much of a danger to Jem and WeiJie, PMC play a very high line in order to maintain the high pressure on TCPC players. First half soon then conclude with PMC leading 2-0.

Changes were made at half time to give those who were present a kickabout.

2nd half 11:

Maurice

Nigel - Weijie - Jem Sin- Dan Chen

Joel - WenBin - Dom - JZ

Jem Tan - David

Second half began where PMC left of from the first half, continuing to press very hard and high on TCPC. Jem Tan, Joel and WenBin ran hard from restart due to their fresh legs, with David being his usual strong holding forward. TCPC continue to have no reply to the both wing play of PMC, as Joel and brother Jem Tan exploit the right channel on many occasion, able to get all the way to the byline easily. On the other flank, JZ, Dom and WB were able to have of the possesion to themselves as well.

As the match drove on, tiredness began to show on both sides, as TCPC finally did manage to make some attacking play due to the gaps appearing in PMC side, being unable to have the stamina to recover back. Unfortunately TCPC attacking trio often lacked the experience to pierce past PMC back 4, as Maurice hardly had to dirty his gloves. Chances continue to fall to PMC, as JemTan had a couple of 1-v-1 and WB a couple of long shots.

Towards the end of the game, Isaiah came back on for Weijie, with David playing alongside Jem Sin and Isaiah up front with Jem Tan, and Lincoln replacing Joel who ran out of steam pretty quickly. PMC continue to hold high possesion and territorial advantage over TCPC till the end. Had PMC be more clinical with their efforts on goal, TCPC could have drowned in a tsunami of goals.

Final score: PMC 2 TCPC 0.

Maurice then close off with a prayer.