It was a hot and dry afternoon when about 16 of us gathered at East Spring Secondary School. Among us were 2 new faces- Nigel (Daniel's friend) and David Lim (a member of PMC's youth group, YMPACT). Notably absent were the veterans of our Community, who resting ahead of their Caleb Cup campaign beginning the next day.
Kevin started the session off with a time of devotion, focusing on the saying- "The secret of success is to be like a duck - smooth and unruffled on top, but paddling furiously underneath". Kevin elaborated with some examples on how performance under pressure and difficult circumstances would seem more manageable with good preparation and hard work beforehand. He encouraged us to think about the many situations in life we find ourselves in where we could do better in through hard work and preparation before the actual performance.
Interestingly, there was about 2min of showers before the team started to take the field, but before they knew it, the hot weather returned. The teams started with an 8-a-side Blues versus Reds/Whites. Players started off with full of energy, making making individual runs and using the space afforded by the 8-a-side game. However, as the sun beat down, and exhaustion set in, there was a bit more control and passing in the game. The Blues were the first to threaten, with opportunities following to Jingzhong and Joel, who could not find the target or David pulling off saves in goal. Kevin was also denied when his stiff left-foot drive found the upright instead. The Reds/Whites tried to get into the match through some pacy attacks led by Daniel Low and Andy, however, the Blues defence under Adrian and Marcus held up well. Before long, the scoring started, with Joel finding space to fire home. Good work was done by Jeremy Sin in midfield to create opportunities for the Blues and soon, Joel fired home his 2nd. It was then the Reds/Whites who tried to get back into the match- Maurice twice going close, with a long-range volley going high. They finally got their goal when a goalkick from Raymond to Kevin found him napping, allowing David (now playing Striker) to steal the ball and place it beyond Raymond. Half-time was warmly greeted by all players.
With Maurice, Adrian and Raymond calling it a day after the 1st half, teams continued to play full-field without a keeper, allowing scoring to take place only within the 6-yard box. This produced a lot more control and passing. But as the exhaustion factor set it, everyone opted to play within half the field, using cones as goalposts. This went on for another 45min, with the Blues running out winners by numerous goals, thanks to good passing and communication. The Reds/Whites threated the Blues goals on many occasions but were let down by some wayward finishing.
It was a good run-out for everyone and also an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the wonderful weather that God blessed us with.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Soccer Team shopping at Weston Sports Corporation
Members of the Soccer Team went down to Weston Sports Corporation at Peninsula Plaza to check out the lastest apparel of their favourite clubs...
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Jingzhong and Mark can't decide what to buy
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Sheldon wonders if Man Utd will be losing its sponsor soon
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Samuel is pretty sure Liverpool will not be losing its sponsor anytime soon
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This is Anfield
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Jingzhong and Mark can't decide what to buy.jpg)
Sheldon wonders if Man Utd will be losing its sponsor soon.jpg)
Samuel is pretty sure Liverpool will not be losing its sponsor anytime soon.jpg)
This is AnfieldMonday, September 15, 2008
Soccer Fellowship [20th September]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 20th September at East Spring Secondary School. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
For team identification this week, please bring / wear BOTH a BLUE AND RED jersey.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
For team identification this week, please bring / wear BOTH a BLUE AND RED jersey.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
Soccer Fellowship 'Match' Report [13th September]
After last week’s outing at the MWS Tournament, many Pandas and Panthers opted to give their aching and peeling bodies a well deserved rest and missed out on Soccer Fellowship. A number still managed to turn up namely Kevin, Justin, Jingzhong, Daniel, Michael, Rusydi, Kee Min, Choon Heng, Marcus and Joel. Still, the bunch that turned up was simply expecting a friendly kickabout and not what was to follow. The opposing team was formed from a mix of “above 39 year olds” from PMC, CMC and friends who needed a warm-up game before the start of their Caleb Cup campaign next week.
Before the start of the match, Justin led everyone in a time of devotion, reflecting on the 'almost cut-short' professional soccer career of Kaka, when he injured his spine while jumping into a swimming pool. Using Kaka as an example of how God was able to heal him and how he overcame his affliction by turning to God, Justin encouraged everyone, both Christian and non-Christian to turn to God when they are down and out, as He is able to pull us through all circumstances.
After devotion and with hardly any warming up, the 'friendly match' kicked off. The PMC team got off to a slow and weary start, clearly evident that they were still recovering from the 8 to 10 matches played last Saturday. It also didn’t help that the team had to adjust from a no offside rule in MWS to a highly stringent offside play by the Caleb Cup team. The first 15 minutes saw some end to end plays with a number of offside calls against the PMC team. PMC keeper Michael also took a knock on his nose when Samuel Eyo (representing the Caleb Cuppers) challenged him for a loose ball.
While the more inexperienced PMC defense tried to adjust quickly to playing the offside trap, the Caleb Cup team put in 2 quick goals in succession albeit in somewhat dubious offside circumstances, the first from the boot of ex-Singapore International Au Yeong Pak Kuan. The mood on the field began to get more heated as well with a number of physical challenges from the seniors of the Caleb Cup team, something our young players were not used to and more debatable offside calls. Half time came in at the right moment for the teams to re-group and calm down, with the Caleb Cuppers leading 2-0.
The second half saw PMC pick up their game and adapting much better to their opponent’s offside trap. On one of the occasion, a pass from midfield put Justin clear through with the keeper only for the ball to be pushed wide - there was no doubt from here on that it was not going to be Justin’s day with one or two other half chances failing to hit the back of the net. The Caleb Cup team continued to threaten as well from their main attacker, Au Yeong Pak Kuan, who somehow managed to steal yet another goal from a goal mouth scuffle right under Michael to take the score line to 3-0. It was not long after that PMC scored with Jingzhong battling for the ball with the Caleb Cup keeper, our own Jimmy, before popping it into the open goal.
The PMC team continued to pressure the slowly tiring older team and a good counter attack move down the right flank saw a perfect cross in for Kevin to chest down before displacing it into the goal from 3 yards out. With the score line narrowing and momentum shifting towards the PMC team, Au Yeong Pak Kuan decided to claim his hat-trick with a glimpse of his past glory by swinging in a curling lob from 30 yards out into the back of the net, after beating Choon Heng for the ball. More heated arguments also erupted over offside calls, fouls and physical challenges. With no referee present, it was really up to self and mutual respect to keep the match going. Before the end, Jingzhong managed to grab a last minute goal by pouncing onto a through ball tapping it past the advancing keeper to wrap up the game. Final score:
Caleb Cuppers 4
PMC 'Soccer Fellowship' 3
(Jingzhong (2) & Kevin)
PMC 'Soccer Fellowship' 3
(Jingzhong (2) & Kevin)
Kevin closed the session in prayer and provided an apt reminder that our Soccer Community is foremost about enjoying the game and character development, thanking the visitors for providing a “good” opportunity to the team in practicing the latter.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Soccer Fellowship [13th September]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 13th September at East Spring Secondary School. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
For team identification this week, please bring / wear BOTH a BLUE AND RED jersey.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
For team identification this week, please bring / wear BOTH a BLUE AND RED jersey.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
MWS Tournament 2008 Report by the Panthers
The Panthers put in their effort, sweat and blood in Saturday's tournament (Thanks, Marcus for playing through the tournament with blisters on both feet!). We put in a very commendable performance and can be proud of ourselves for achieving a quarter-final place.
Most importantly, the following qualities were evident during the matches played:
Team spirit and support -
We displayed very good team spirit and support. We encouraged one another on and off the pitch, and cheered those on the pitch to lift their game and win the match (I know Samuel was shouting for us to win the game against the Paya Lebar youth team). There was no blaming when goals were conceded and when we drew games we should have won and lost games we should have drawn, but the team remained united even in games we did not win.
True grit and determination -
I know many Panthers played through the pain and tiredness barrier and thank you for that. 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in the group stage and 1 quarter-final loss. I think these are good results and results we can build on to go 1 or 2 steps further next year. I especially remember the game against the Paya Lebar youth team (credit to them for taking the game to us) where we were trailing 0-1 and on the brink of not reaching the quarter-final stage. David Sng hit the crossbar once and it seemed things would not go our way that game. But the team pressed on with urgency and David hit the crossbar again, and thankfully, the ball deflected into goal this time! 1-1. In the closing seconds of the match, we got a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Jing Zhong (I think) took it quickly before our opponents could organize themselves; David Sng latched onto the pass and slid that ball pass the onrushing goalkeeper. 2-1. It was Panther-monium! The whistle blew and we made it to the quarter-finals!
Sportsmanship -
I remember at least 3 incidents during our quarter-final loss to eventual champions, Aldersgate MC. The first was when they scored their first goal. The opponent's striker had just put the ball in goal from a tight angle and the follow through saw the striker hit his head on the goalpost with a loud 'Dong' and fall to the ground. Our players immediately went to assist the player to see if he was alright. The player was alright but he had bit his tongue during the knock and it was bleeding. Our players assisted to help him up to get treatment. The second incident was when Rusydi seemed to make a slightly late tackle and brought a player down in the opponents' half. Rusydi immediately went to apologize and see if the player was alright. Although the resulting throw-in was awarded to the Panthers, we threw it back to AMC, even though we were already trailing 2-0 by then. The third incident was when an AMC player fell and got cramps after a fair challenge in our half. I immediately went to assist the player to stretch and I remember the referee kept saying that the ball had not gone out! The ball was eventually kicked out by AMC, but we threw it back to them in good sportsmanship. We eventually got a goal back through a stunning first-time volley by Samuel but there was no time to get another goal. I'm proud of our display because it shows that there are things that are more important than winning, even though all of us wanted to win badly. That in itself makes us winners.
And even though we did not bring the tournament trophy back, I'm sure we've returned with the trophies of strengthened friendships!
The Pentecost Panthers:
Michael Chua, Lee Yuen Wai, Daniel Low, David Teong, Marcus Tan, John Chia, James Lee, Rusydi Mah, Choo Jingzhong, Samuel Eyo, Marvin Khoo, David Sng, Andrew Lee & Maurice Lim
Please read the comments to this post to see what the other Panthers had to say about the tournament!
Reported by Maurice Lim
Most importantly, the following qualities were evident during the matches played:
Team spirit and support -
We displayed very good team spirit and support. We encouraged one another on and off the pitch, and cheered those on the pitch to lift their game and win the match (I know Samuel was shouting for us to win the game against the Paya Lebar youth team). There was no blaming when goals were conceded and when we drew games we should have won and lost games we should have drawn, but the team remained united even in games we did not win.
True grit and determination -
I know many Panthers played through the pain and tiredness barrier and thank you for that. 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in the group stage and 1 quarter-final loss. I think these are good results and results we can build on to go 1 or 2 steps further next year. I especially remember the game against the Paya Lebar youth team (credit to them for taking the game to us) where we were trailing 0-1 and on the brink of not reaching the quarter-final stage. David Sng hit the crossbar once and it seemed things would not go our way that game. But the team pressed on with urgency and David hit the crossbar again, and thankfully, the ball deflected into goal this time! 1-1. In the closing seconds of the match, we got a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Jing Zhong (I think) took it quickly before our opponents could organize themselves; David Sng latched onto the pass and slid that ball pass the onrushing goalkeeper. 2-1. It was Panther-monium! The whistle blew and we made it to the quarter-finals!
Sportsmanship -
I remember at least 3 incidents during our quarter-final loss to eventual champions, Aldersgate MC. The first was when they scored their first goal. The opponent's striker had just put the ball in goal from a tight angle and the follow through saw the striker hit his head on the goalpost with a loud 'Dong' and fall to the ground. Our players immediately went to assist the player to see if he was alright. The player was alright but he had bit his tongue during the knock and it was bleeding. Our players assisted to help him up to get treatment. The second incident was when Rusydi seemed to make a slightly late tackle and brought a player down in the opponents' half. Rusydi immediately went to apologize and see if the player was alright. Although the resulting throw-in was awarded to the Panthers, we threw it back to AMC, even though we were already trailing 2-0 by then. The third incident was when an AMC player fell and got cramps after a fair challenge in our half. I immediately went to assist the player to stretch and I remember the referee kept saying that the ball had not gone out! The ball was eventually kicked out by AMC, but we threw it back to them in good sportsmanship. We eventually got a goal back through a stunning first-time volley by Samuel but there was no time to get another goal. I'm proud of our display because it shows that there are things that are more important than winning, even though all of us wanted to win badly. That in itself makes us winners.
And even though we did not bring the tournament trophy back, I'm sure we've returned with the trophies of strengthened friendships!
The Pentecost Panthers:
Michael Chua, Lee Yuen Wai, Daniel Low, David Teong, Marcus Tan, John Chia, James Lee, Rusydi Mah, Choo Jingzhong, Samuel Eyo, Marvin Khoo, David Sng, Andrew Lee & Maurice Lim
Please read the comments to this post to see what the other Panthers had to say about the tournament!
Reported by Maurice Lim
MWS Tournament 2008 Report by the Pandas
It was an amazing Saturday that started off bright, hot and early. All the Pandas arrived relatively on time and warmed up for the long day ahead. We knew that we had to play at least 8 matches in our group of 9 teams and needed to pace ourselves to last the day. When the tournament started, we only had 12 (out of a possible 15) players that turned up and this served to fire us up even more mentally, knowing that it would be a solid team performance that would give us victory.
Our 1st game really woke us up. Playing the Faith Methodist team that beat us 5-0 in the Agape Cup, we were given a nasty welcome to the tournament, losing 2-0 due to a water-logged pitch and indecisiveness. However, we bounced back quickly with a well-deserved 1-0 victory against the very strong team from Aldersgate Methodist. Soaking up the pressure almost the entire match, the Pandas took the only opportunity presented from a free-kick which Derrick floated into the box and Justin pounced on to prod home. We thought our victory was going to be given away when the referee awarded a penalty to Aldersgate for a Mark Leong challenge, but their kicker put the ball over the bar.
The next couple of matches against tough opponents ended up in goal-less draws. The first against Trinity Christian Centre looked to be won when Kevin fired home a loose ball which looked to have crossed the goal-line but the referee waved play-on. The next match against a very young Paya Lebar Methodist ended goal-less as we could not put our chances away.
Knowing that only victories would guarantee us a place in the quarterfinals, the next match against the El Shaddai team produced some good football. There was excellent work in midfield led by Derrick, Kee Min and Jeremy. At back, the defending was assured, led by Mark, Andy and Adrian. This despite some slick passing by the El Shaddai team. It was a moment of brilliance that settled the match. A ball from defence found its way to Kevin who played it inside to Kee Min, who then put Justin through, lobbing the keeper who was rushing out.
It was then time for back-to-back matches. The first against the youngest team in the tournament from Trinity Methodist with kids not more than 14 years old. However, again we struggled to put away the many many chances from free-kicks, corners and loose balls. Another draw looked under way until Ronnie stepped up to fire a stiff shot into the corner of the net from just inside the box! The next match was a derby match against Christ Methodist. As usual, it was full of ferocious tackles and some physical play. We were composed an took our chances! Jeremy managed to break down the right and crossed the ball into the box, leaving Kevin to despatch high into the net. Christ Methodist tried to get back into the match but Derrick, Adrian, Andy and Mark were having nothing of it, intervening at every moment.
Knowing that we had already qualified for the quarterfinals, the last group game was walking pace. Our opponents from Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church took advantage of this and scored a 1-0 victory.
Our quarterfinal match pitted us against the youth from Kum Yan Methodist. Being older and obviously tired, we resorted to holding them with good defence. There were not many chances for us to score, and it was left to the dreaded penalty shoot-out to settle the match. We tossed to kick first and up stepped Ronnie to expertly send the keeper the wrong way. Kum Yan responded similarly. Next stepped Kevin. But with much energy spent, he tamely sent the ball straight into the arms of the keeper. Fortunately, the Kum Yan kicker also missed, sending his shot high. Next up for the Pandas was Derrick, who curled the ball beautifully into the top corner, hitting the inside post. The slightly 'kayu' referee initially thought the ball cannoned off the outside post and wanted to count it as a miss, but thankfully the head referee was standing on the line to vouch for the goal. Again a Kum Yan player scored and we went to sudden death. Justin stepped up next to score and then Kris saved to put us into the semi-finals.
By the time the semis got under way, most of our energy was gone. We tried our best but there were few opportunities that fell our way. Faith Methodist had much possession and took the one real chance they had to score from their left wing for a 1-0 victory. Being too exhausted to play another match, both El Shaddai and ourselves decided for the penalty shoot-out to settle the 3rd/4th placing. Ronnie was again first up for us and he showed us 'national team' standard with the penalty. After Kris saved El Shaddai's penalty, Mark stepped up but he placed the ball wide. To his relief, Kris saved another penalty to keep the score at 1-0. It was Derrick who stepped up to fire us to victory and secure 3rd place. It was a wonderful finish to a very tiring day!
The Pentecost Pandas:
Kris Chen, Andy Chua, Mark Leong, Adrian Phuah, Raymond Chang, Ronnie Liew, Jeremy Sin, Lee Kee Min, Derrick Ng, Justin Ang & Kevin Ang.
Please read the comments to this post to see what the other Pandas had to say about the tournament!
Reported by Kevin Ang
Our 1st game really woke us up. Playing the Faith Methodist team that beat us 5-0 in the Agape Cup, we were given a nasty welcome to the tournament, losing 2-0 due to a water-logged pitch and indecisiveness. However, we bounced back quickly with a well-deserved 1-0 victory against the very strong team from Aldersgate Methodist. Soaking up the pressure almost the entire match, the Pandas took the only opportunity presented from a free-kick which Derrick floated into the box and Justin pounced on to prod home. We thought our victory was going to be given away when the referee awarded a penalty to Aldersgate for a Mark Leong challenge, but their kicker put the ball over the bar.
The next couple of matches against tough opponents ended up in goal-less draws. The first against Trinity Christian Centre looked to be won when Kevin fired home a loose ball which looked to have crossed the goal-line but the referee waved play-on. The next match against a very young Paya Lebar Methodist ended goal-less as we could not put our chances away.
Knowing that only victories would guarantee us a place in the quarterfinals, the next match against the El Shaddai team produced some good football. There was excellent work in midfield led by Derrick, Kee Min and Jeremy. At back, the defending was assured, led by Mark, Andy and Adrian. This despite some slick passing by the El Shaddai team. It was a moment of brilliance that settled the match. A ball from defence found its way to Kevin who played it inside to Kee Min, who then put Justin through, lobbing the keeper who was rushing out.
It was then time for back-to-back matches. The first against the youngest team in the tournament from Trinity Methodist with kids not more than 14 years old. However, again we struggled to put away the many many chances from free-kicks, corners and loose balls. Another draw looked under way until Ronnie stepped up to fire a stiff shot into the corner of the net from just inside the box! The next match was a derby match against Christ Methodist. As usual, it was full of ferocious tackles and some physical play. We were composed an took our chances! Jeremy managed to break down the right and crossed the ball into the box, leaving Kevin to despatch high into the net. Christ Methodist tried to get back into the match but Derrick, Adrian, Andy and Mark were having nothing of it, intervening at every moment.
Knowing that we had already qualified for the quarterfinals, the last group game was walking pace. Our opponents from Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church took advantage of this and scored a 1-0 victory.
Our quarterfinal match pitted us against the youth from Kum Yan Methodist. Being older and obviously tired, we resorted to holding them with good defence. There were not many chances for us to score, and it was left to the dreaded penalty shoot-out to settle the match. We tossed to kick first and up stepped Ronnie to expertly send the keeper the wrong way. Kum Yan responded similarly. Next stepped Kevin. But with much energy spent, he tamely sent the ball straight into the arms of the keeper. Fortunately, the Kum Yan kicker also missed, sending his shot high. Next up for the Pandas was Derrick, who curled the ball beautifully into the top corner, hitting the inside post. The slightly 'kayu' referee initially thought the ball cannoned off the outside post and wanted to count it as a miss, but thankfully the head referee was standing on the line to vouch for the goal. Again a Kum Yan player scored and we went to sudden death. Justin stepped up next to score and then Kris saved to put us into the semi-finals.
By the time the semis got under way, most of our energy was gone. We tried our best but there were few opportunities that fell our way. Faith Methodist had much possession and took the one real chance they had to score from their left wing for a 1-0 victory. Being too exhausted to play another match, both El Shaddai and ourselves decided for the penalty shoot-out to settle the 3rd/4th placing. Ronnie was again first up for us and he showed us 'national team' standard with the penalty. After Kris saved El Shaddai's penalty, Mark stepped up but he placed the ball wide. To his relief, Kris saved another penalty to keep the score at 1-0. It was Derrick who stepped up to fire us to victory and secure 3rd place. It was a wonderful finish to a very tiring day!
The Pentecost Pandas:
Kris Chen, Andy Chua, Mark Leong, Adrian Phuah, Raymond Chang, Ronnie Liew, Jeremy Sin, Lee Kee Min, Derrick Ng, Justin Ang & Kevin Ang.
Please read the comments to this post to see what the other Pandas had to say about the tournament!
Reported by Kevin Ang
Monday, September 01, 2008
Agape Cup Soccertron Plate Cup Report
Yesterday, members and friends of the PMC Soccer Team took part in the round-robin stage of the Plate Cup. The weather went from drizzling to light shower to sunshine in the later part of the afternoon. The team's results followed a similar pattern; we went from a win to a draw and then a loss in our round-robin games - just enough to see us through to the semi-finals of the Plate Cup. Unfortunately, we lost our semi-final match and 3rd/4th placing match through sudden death penalty after goaless draws at fulltime.
But 4th is still a commendable result considering we only conceded 1 goal (in normal time) in 5 matches. Of course, on the flip side, we only scored 1 goal (in normal time) in 5 matches as we squandered good chances. I believe this is a good reminder for us as we look towards the MWS tournament this Saturday that we need to play with some urgency, defend well and take our chances in front of goal. This is because the games will be fast paced with little time to score and even less time to overturn a deficit if we concede.
The team played with great spirit and true grit and determination. Well done and congratulations! Now, we must carry forward these qualities as we prepare ourselves for the MWS tournament.
Oh, and of course, we now have another trophy (albeit a small one) to add to our trophy cabinet for our efforts. Well done everyone!
But 4th is still a commendable result considering we only conceded 1 goal (in normal time) in 5 matches. Of course, on the flip side, we only scored 1 goal (in normal time) in 5 matches as we squandered good chances. I believe this is a good reminder for us as we look towards the MWS tournament this Saturday that we need to play with some urgency, defend well and take our chances in front of goal. This is because the games will be fast paced with little time to score and even less time to overturn a deficit if we concede.
The team played with great spirit and true grit and determination. Well done and congratulations! Now, we must carry forward these qualities as we prepare ourselves for the MWS tournament.
Oh, and of course, we now have another trophy (albeit a small one) to add to our trophy cabinet for our efforts. Well done everyone!
Soccer Training Report [30th August]
Most players were eagerly anticipating this day as the last training session had been rained out and this would be the last opportunity for the Pentecost Panthers and Pandas to train before the MWS Tournament on 6 September. God, in His faithfulness, held back the rain and blessed us with excellent weather, until 5pm, when the heavens opened to signal the end of our training session. Before the session began, Maurice led us in devotion, reminding us not to take our eyes off our 'prize', which is our salvation, and to train and live in a way that would honour God.
Both teams started off with 8 players and opted to play full-field but without keepers, only allowing scoring within the 6-yard box. This seemed an excellent decision as keeping possession was the main emphasis for both teams, leading to better passing and communication. The Pandas seemed to have better control of the ball, even after the 2-week layoff. With Derrick and Kee Min keeping possession in the middle and Ronnie marshalling the defence, the Pandas had most of the possession. Their early attacks used the flanks well, with Samuel Pang and the ever-willing Andy overlapping on the right and Kevin on the left. On one of these moves, Kevin crossed the ball to Justin in the 6-yard box, who eluded Panther David to tap the ball into the net. The Panthers tried to rally themselves to even the score but their possession frequently broke down in the middle. Their best chances fell to the speedy Jingzhong but he was lacking support most of the time. By the end of the half, the Pandas had scored at least 5 more times, with Justin owning most of the goals.
After their half-time team talk by Papa Panther Maurice, the Panthers returned to the field more focused. By this time, both teams had 9 players and goalkeepers. The Panthers were led in midfield by Rusydi, who was controlling play and James, the defensive cover. However, despite stringing more passes and keeping the ball better, it was the Pandas again who scored first. A backpass from John in defence was intercepted by Justin who took the ball pass Maurice to roll into the empty net. This fired up the Panthers even more and almost immediately from kick-off, they sent Marvin right through who gave us a 'Marvin special', firing the ball from outside the box and into the top right-hand corner of the net, with Derrick well beaten in goal. More good passing followed from both teams but it was eventually the Pandas who scored the goals to put the match away through Justin and a Derrick header from Andy's corner.
It was a good work-out for both teams and we're all looking forward to the MWS Tournament!
Both teams started off with 8 players and opted to play full-field but without keepers, only allowing scoring within the 6-yard box. This seemed an excellent decision as keeping possession was the main emphasis for both teams, leading to better passing and communication. The Pandas seemed to have better control of the ball, even after the 2-week layoff. With Derrick and Kee Min keeping possession in the middle and Ronnie marshalling the defence, the Pandas had most of the possession. Their early attacks used the flanks well, with Samuel Pang and the ever-willing Andy overlapping on the right and Kevin on the left. On one of these moves, Kevin crossed the ball to Justin in the 6-yard box, who eluded Panther David to tap the ball into the net. The Panthers tried to rally themselves to even the score but their possession frequently broke down in the middle. Their best chances fell to the speedy Jingzhong but he was lacking support most of the time. By the end of the half, the Pandas had scored at least 5 more times, with Justin owning most of the goals.
After their half-time team talk by Papa Panther Maurice, the Panthers returned to the field more focused. By this time, both teams had 9 players and goalkeepers. The Panthers were led in midfield by Rusydi, who was controlling play and James, the defensive cover. However, despite stringing more passes and keeping the ball better, it was the Pandas again who scored first. A backpass from John in defence was intercepted by Justin who took the ball pass Maurice to roll into the empty net. This fired up the Panthers even more and almost immediately from kick-off, they sent Marvin right through who gave us a 'Marvin special', firing the ball from outside the box and into the top right-hand corner of the net, with Derrick well beaten in goal. More good passing followed from both teams but it was eventually the Pandas who scored the goals to put the match away through Justin and a Derrick header from Andy's corner.
It was a good work-out for both teams and we're all looking forward to the MWS Tournament!
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