Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 6th February at Pasir Ris Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is along block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friendly match report [30th Jan]
The preparation for this year's Agape Cup got underway with the 1st friendly where the PMC Soccer Team was split into the 2 teams representing the church in the Agape Cup. This year, the leadership has decided to go with age-based teams, with the GALACTICOS (30 years-old and under) and OLDIES (30 years-old and above). As the sun beat down in the early afternoon, more than 30 players from both teams gathered at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary for the friendly.
Yuen Wai opened the session with a time of devotion. Using a story of how sometimes we believe that something exists even though we do not see it, have not touched it, or smell it (e.g. brain), Yuen Wai encouraged all of us to have faith and spend moments of quiet reflection to build or relationship with God and to know Him.
Following devotion, both teams had a quick team-talk and prepared for kick-off. Our ever-dependable referee Kevin Koo took charge of the gun and summoned players to take their positions on the field. The start of the match immediately displayed the contrast of styles in play. The Galacticos combined quick movement with fast passing and immediately put the Oldies under pressure. Being unable to hold on to the ball in the final third and having gaps in midfield due to the very adventurous 4-3-3 formation, the Oldies were on the back foot for most of the half. It was left to good rear guard action from Andy Chua, Yuen Wai, Adrian and James to keep the Galacticos at bay. When they were beated, GK Kelvin showed that he still has the goods, even as he enters his 50th year in 2010. The Galacticos continued to pile on the pressure as the match wore on, with Lincoln, Rusydi and Yi Jun trying to break down the defence. On 1 occasion, Yi Jun had an empty goal in front of him, but played the ball out to touch instead. It was unfortunate that Darren felt the full force of an Adrian tackle and had to be substituted mid-way through the 1st half, with Joel coming on. Both teams also took the opportunity to bring on fresh legs - The Oldies in Andy Mason and David Sng, along with change to a 4-2-2 formation and the Galacticos bringing on midfield enforcer Kee Min. This immediately paid dividends for both teams as play was more controlled. 2 good chances fell to James, first a shot from outside the box and then a header from a corner. The Galacticos continued to string good moves down the left with Jingzhong while the Oldies tried various routes, but none bore fruit. It was only in the last 5 mins that the breakthrough for the Galacticos arrived. A surge into the box by Lincoln took him pass Adrian and his stiff shot, although parried by Kelvin, found its way into the back of the net. It was 1 - 0 to the Galacticos at half-time.
Half time was welcomed by everyone and the team talks definitely helped judging by the start of the 2nd half. The Galacticos appeared to have a good idea of how they wanted to break the Oldies' defence, but were caught offside too many times or played long balls into touch. Defensively however, both Marcus and Jeremy were doing well, keeping the clean sheet and allowing Felipe without any shots to save. However, this quickly changed when a lofted down by Andy Chua down the right sent Andy Mason away. Controlling the ball in the box, he responded to Ramon's call for a lay-off. The lay-off found its way to Ramon, who made sure of the goal, blasting the ball with his left foot into the back of the net. It was game-on with the score at 1 - 1. The Oldies took this opportunity to press for a lead. Defending corners, the Galacticos opted for a zonal-marking system, but this let them down mid-way in the 2nd half. A floated corner from David Sng beat everyone in the box, leaving Andy Mason to head into an empty net. The Oldies had come from a goal down to take a 2 - 1 lead! This galvanised the Galacticos, who pressed hard for an equaliser. Bringing debutant Kevin Liam on in midfield gave some spark as he tried to control the ball and play through passes, but the forwards constantly were caught offside. It was only in the dying minutes that some poor defending by the Oldies during a corner allowed Jeremy to rise above Justin to head (or was it body?) the ball into the net through a very crowded box. The Galacticos had showed character and resolve to come back for the equaliser. Both teams tried to go for the winner, but to no avail.
It was a good 1st friendly for both teams, with lots of learning points both on and off the field. The good turn-out was encouraging and hopefully everyone had a good run-out. Some who didn't get enough stayed on for the next match when a team was lacking players. Hope they had fun too!
Yuen Wai opened the session with a time of devotion. Using a story of how sometimes we believe that something exists even though we do not see it, have not touched it, or smell it (e.g. brain), Yuen Wai encouraged all of us to have faith and spend moments of quiet reflection to build or relationship with God and to know Him.
Following devotion, both teams had a quick team-talk and prepared for kick-off. Our ever-dependable referee Kevin Koo took charge of the gun and summoned players to take their positions on the field. The start of the match immediately displayed the contrast of styles in play. The Galacticos combined quick movement with fast passing and immediately put the Oldies under pressure. Being unable to hold on to the ball in the final third and having gaps in midfield due to the very adventurous 4-3-3 formation, the Oldies were on the back foot for most of the half. It was left to good rear guard action from Andy Chua, Yuen Wai, Adrian and James to keep the Galacticos at bay. When they were beated, GK Kelvin showed that he still has the goods, even as he enters his 50th year in 2010. The Galacticos continued to pile on the pressure as the match wore on, with Lincoln, Rusydi and Yi Jun trying to break down the defence. On 1 occasion, Yi Jun had an empty goal in front of him, but played the ball out to touch instead. It was unfortunate that Darren felt the full force of an Adrian tackle and had to be substituted mid-way through the 1st half, with Joel coming on. Both teams also took the opportunity to bring on fresh legs - The Oldies in Andy Mason and David Sng, along with change to a 4-2-2 formation and the Galacticos bringing on midfield enforcer Kee Min. This immediately paid dividends for both teams as play was more controlled. 2 good chances fell to James, first a shot from outside the box and then a header from a corner. The Galacticos continued to string good moves down the left with Jingzhong while the Oldies tried various routes, but none bore fruit. It was only in the last 5 mins that the breakthrough for the Galacticos arrived. A surge into the box by Lincoln took him pass Adrian and his stiff shot, although parried by Kelvin, found its way into the back of the net. It was 1 - 0 to the Galacticos at half-time.
Half time was welcomed by everyone and the team talks definitely helped judging by the start of the 2nd half. The Galacticos appeared to have a good idea of how they wanted to break the Oldies' defence, but were caught offside too many times or played long balls into touch. Defensively however, both Marcus and Jeremy were doing well, keeping the clean sheet and allowing Felipe without any shots to save. However, this quickly changed when a lofted down by Andy Chua down the right sent Andy Mason away. Controlling the ball in the box, he responded to Ramon's call for a lay-off. The lay-off found its way to Ramon, who made sure of the goal, blasting the ball with his left foot into the back of the net. It was game-on with the score at 1 - 1. The Oldies took this opportunity to press for a lead. Defending corners, the Galacticos opted for a zonal-marking system, but this let them down mid-way in the 2nd half. A floated corner from David Sng beat everyone in the box, leaving Andy Mason to head into an empty net. The Oldies had come from a goal down to take a 2 - 1 lead! This galvanised the Galacticos, who pressed hard for an equaliser. Bringing debutant Kevin Liam on in midfield gave some spark as he tried to control the ball and play through passes, but the forwards constantly were caught offside. It was only in the dying minutes that some poor defending by the Oldies during a corner allowed Jeremy to rise above Justin to head (or was it body?) the ball into the net through a very crowded box. The Galacticos had showed character and resolve to come back for the equaliser. Both teams tried to go for the winner, but to no avail.
It was a good 1st friendly for both teams, with lots of learning points both on and off the field. The good turn-out was encouraging and hopefully everyone had a good run-out. Some who didn't get enough stayed on for the next match when a team was lacking players. Hope they had fun too!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Soccer Fellowship Report [23rd Jan]
Despite the extremely warm weather, about 30 odd players turn up for the 2nd fellowship of this new year as young and old all look forward for some ball action. Jem opened up the session with a devotion extracted from daily bread, reminding all of us once again the great love that Jesus has shown upon us and for us to do the same to our friends and neighbours.
Teams were split into dark and bright jerseys, apparently most of the younger players were in the 'brighter' team while the experienced veterans turned up largely in darker colours. The pitch did looked abit packed as everyone went in to have some fun. Little ammendments to our usual 11-aside game: players can only score in the 6-yard box, and that there is no goalkeeper and no offside rules. Despite the crowdedness, this game still brings out quite an entertaining match as a total of 8 goals were scored.
Bulk of the games came in the first half, with 3 for the dark side and 2 for the bright side. The young team look the most likely to create the opening goal as they packed the dark side in their own half. From a corner, marcus rose highest to break the deadlock and give the bright side the lead. Slowly, but surely, the dark side got into the game with some neat passing and spraying the ball down both flanks. The bright side dint cope well with the crosses sent in by the dark wingers and 2 owngoals resulted as michael twice sliced the ball into his own net under pressure. The bright side got 1 back soon as a long ball into 6 yard box found a surprisingly unmarked amos, and like an uprising star to be, he dutifully convert his chances to level the game. Just before the break, the dark side once again sent in a cross that the bright side failed to clear, finding justin and he too convert his chance.
As the heat continued to microwave the pitch, 2nd half was played with a lesser tempo. Players were getting tired so more passing were seen from both sides, with occasionally glimpses of brilliant dribbling but the final ball was often not converted. The dark side put on heavy pressure, playing very direct football with many long balls into the 6yard box. The bright sides have to throw their bodies and tackles to keep the scoreline low. Against the run of play, the bright side got an equaliser as another corner found kris unmark and he nod the ball home easily. The dark side continued to dictate play as their bigger players were able to hold ball more and create intelligent passes. 1 such move saw them allow the dark side to regain their lead when neat triangle passing and 1-2s unlock the stubborn bright defence, with Tim passing the final ball into the net inside the 6yard box. Almost immediately, the bright side manage to find some space down the right flank and sent in a superb cross and finding yet again their rising star, amos, who beautifully smack the ball home from 1 meter out. With that both sides up their tempo in search for 1 last winning goal but none came as the final whistle was blown (from somewhere..).
FT: Bright 4 Dark 4
Kevin close the session with a prayer as everyone cooled themselves off in the shades. As we anticipate our next session, one can see the many potentials in our squad for this season's Agape cup. Till the next game, tada!
Teams were split into dark and bright jerseys, apparently most of the younger players were in the 'brighter' team while the experienced veterans turned up largely in darker colours. The pitch did looked abit packed as everyone went in to have some fun. Little ammendments to our usual 11-aside game: players can only score in the 6-yard box, and that there is no goalkeeper and no offside rules. Despite the crowdedness, this game still brings out quite an entertaining match as a total of 8 goals were scored.
Bulk of the games came in the first half, with 3 for the dark side and 2 for the bright side. The young team look the most likely to create the opening goal as they packed the dark side in their own half. From a corner, marcus rose highest to break the deadlock and give the bright side the lead. Slowly, but surely, the dark side got into the game with some neat passing and spraying the ball down both flanks. The bright side dint cope well with the crosses sent in by the dark wingers and 2 owngoals resulted as michael twice sliced the ball into his own net under pressure. The bright side got 1 back soon as a long ball into 6 yard box found a surprisingly unmarked amos, and like an uprising star to be, he dutifully convert his chances to level the game. Just before the break, the dark side once again sent in a cross that the bright side failed to clear, finding justin and he too convert his chance.
As the heat continued to microwave the pitch, 2nd half was played with a lesser tempo. Players were getting tired so more passing were seen from both sides, with occasionally glimpses of brilliant dribbling but the final ball was often not converted. The dark side put on heavy pressure, playing very direct football with many long balls into the 6yard box. The bright sides have to throw their bodies and tackles to keep the scoreline low. Against the run of play, the bright side got an equaliser as another corner found kris unmark and he nod the ball home easily. The dark side continued to dictate play as their bigger players were able to hold ball more and create intelligent passes. 1 such move saw them allow the dark side to regain their lead when neat triangle passing and 1-2s unlock the stubborn bright defence, with Tim passing the final ball into the net inside the 6yard box. Almost immediately, the bright side manage to find some space down the right flank and sent in a superb cross and finding yet again their rising star, amos, who beautifully smack the ball home from 1 meter out. With that both sides up their tempo in search for 1 last winning goal but none came as the final whistle was blown (from somewhere..).
FT: Bright 4 Dark 4
Kevin close the session with a prayer as everyone cooled themselves off in the shades. As we anticipate our next session, one can see the many potentials in our squad for this season's Agape cup. Till the next game, tada!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Soccer Fellowship [23rd Jan]
Our 2nd Soccer Fellowship session for 2010 will on this Saturday, 23rd January at Pasir Ris Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is along block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.
We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is along block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.
Friendly match .vs. RLC Report [17th Jan]
There was another good turn-out (22 players) for the 2nd friendly of the year. With more players getting fitter and able to play more minutes per match, this might be the last 'combined' friendly before both Agape Cup teams have separate friendlies in the coming weeks.
Our opponents, RiverLife Church (RLC) had arranged the friendly and we thank them for their hospitality and making all the necessary preparations (field, referee etc...). They are also in the midst of preparing for this year's Agape Cup and the friendly was their 1st of the year.
PMC's team was split into the 2 prospective teams for Agape Cup 2010 - 'Young Legs' and 'Old Legs'. The Young Legs started the match first and gave a good account of themselves in the 22 mins that they were on the pitch. The tried to play a passing game and threatened from set-pieces. It was from one of these in the 8th minute that a floated ball from Marcus found Yi Jun's head as he ghosted into the box. His headed flick gave the RLC keeper no chance. PMC 1, RLC 0. Falling behind inspired RLC to press for an equaliser and most of their good moves went through their African #8 who was everywhere on the pitch. With plenty of possession, they threatened with some shots and crosses into the box. Soon, their breakthrough arrived when Mike Chua (GK) was unable to hold onto a stiff shot, parrying it into the path of the RLC forward who made no mistake. PMC 1, RLC 1. It was close to the middle of the 1st half and the Old Legs were preparing to come on. However, just before that happened, the Young Legs gave away possession in their own half, allowing RLC's #8 to shoot pass Mike into the bottom corner. With PMC down 2-1, the Old Legs came on to see what they could do. Unfortunately, all the Old Legs did was hold out until half-time. Having not yet warmed up, it was mostly defensive work for the rest of the half. There were perhaps only 1 or 2 forays forward, but that was it.
After the half-time teamtalk, the Young Legs took the field to get PMC back into the match. Again, teamwork was good with nice passing and hardwork by Rusydi and Kee Min in midfield. However, some dubious offside calls robbed PMC of clear-cut chances. RLC was also left with long shots, although they did enjoy a slightly larger share of possession. With the score still at 2-1 to RLC, the Old Legs trudged on to give a better account of themselves, which they definitely did. Having the larger part of the possession and numerous forays on goal, the Old Legs showed how a simple approach of early balls in from the right wing gave RLC many problems. A couple of chances fell into the path of Steve, Andy Chua and John Chia, but all that came out of it was the ball hitting the crossbar. The cruel aspect of soccer was seen when with the few chances RLC had, they scored 2 goals. The first was from a free-kick when a floated ball left both the defence and Mike indecisive, leaving the RLC forward to nod the ball into the net. The second saw a weak defesive clearance find its way to RLC's #8 who fired home from inside the 18-yard box. Final score - PMC 1, RLC 4.
It was another good run-out. The post-match session focused on building an awareness of positional intelligence and keeping possession. Kee Min closed in prayer, thanking God for keeping all of us injury-free.
Our opponents, RiverLife Church (RLC) had arranged the friendly and we thank them for their hospitality and making all the necessary preparations (field, referee etc...). They are also in the midst of preparing for this year's Agape Cup and the friendly was their 1st of the year.
PMC's team was split into the 2 prospective teams for Agape Cup 2010 - 'Young Legs' and 'Old Legs'. The Young Legs started the match first and gave a good account of themselves in the 22 mins that they were on the pitch. The tried to play a passing game and threatened from set-pieces. It was from one of these in the 8th minute that a floated ball from Marcus found Yi Jun's head as he ghosted into the box. His headed flick gave the RLC keeper no chance. PMC 1, RLC 0. Falling behind inspired RLC to press for an equaliser and most of their good moves went through their African #8 who was everywhere on the pitch. With plenty of possession, they threatened with some shots and crosses into the box. Soon, their breakthrough arrived when Mike Chua (GK) was unable to hold onto a stiff shot, parrying it into the path of the RLC forward who made no mistake. PMC 1, RLC 1. It was close to the middle of the 1st half and the Old Legs were preparing to come on. However, just before that happened, the Young Legs gave away possession in their own half, allowing RLC's #8 to shoot pass Mike into the bottom corner. With PMC down 2-1, the Old Legs came on to see what they could do. Unfortunately, all the Old Legs did was hold out until half-time. Having not yet warmed up, it was mostly defensive work for the rest of the half. There were perhaps only 1 or 2 forays forward, but that was it.
After the half-time teamtalk, the Young Legs took the field to get PMC back into the match. Again, teamwork was good with nice passing and hardwork by Rusydi and Kee Min in midfield. However, some dubious offside calls robbed PMC of clear-cut chances. RLC was also left with long shots, although they did enjoy a slightly larger share of possession. With the score still at 2-1 to RLC, the Old Legs trudged on to give a better account of themselves, which they definitely did. Having the larger part of the possession and numerous forays on goal, the Old Legs showed how a simple approach of early balls in from the right wing gave RLC many problems. A couple of chances fell into the path of Steve, Andy Chua and John Chia, but all that came out of it was the ball hitting the crossbar. The cruel aspect of soccer was seen when with the few chances RLC had, they scored 2 goals. The first was from a free-kick when a floated ball left both the defence and Mike indecisive, leaving the RLC forward to nod the ball into the net. The second saw a weak defesive clearance find its way to RLC's #8 who fired home from inside the 18-yard box. Final score - PMC 1, RLC 4.
It was another good run-out. The post-match session focused on building an awareness of positional intelligence and keeping possession. Kee Min closed in prayer, thanking God for keeping all of us injury-free.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Soccer Fellowship Report [9th Jan]
The 1st Soccer Fellowship session of the year started with a bumper crop of 30 players turning up. We had many new faces joining us and we started by having them introduce themselves - Zhiheng, Lincoln, Steve, Brian and Ramon. Later in the session, Andy Mason, Lester and Kevin also joined us.
Kevin opened the session with devotion, focusing on the topic of teamwork and how everything that we do in the Soccer Community will be based on our 4 goals. The devotion used the example of Edmund Hilary's ascent to the top of Mount Everest to illustrate the importance of teamwork and not who (in the team) should be getting more credit for a job well done. Also, that each member of a team can contribute in certain ways and thereby complementing fellow team mates. The full devotion from Our Daily Bread can be read HERE.
With many players turning up in blue, it was The Blues versus The Other Colours. Somehow, The Blues appeared to be older in age, with many Caleb Cuppers on the field, but the neutrals couldn't tell from the start of the game. The Blues dominated possession, with Ronnie, Ramon and Rusydi getting many touches. Up front, Steve, David Sng and Yi Jun were trying to make good runs into the box to receive passes, however there were no goals to show for all this possession. On the defensive end, Brian, Maurice, Choon Heng and Kevin managed to do enough so that GK Yuen Wai had minimal trouble in goal. Mid-way through the 1st half, Andy Mason came in for The Blues, with Samuel Eyo joining The Others. Andy's entry into the match seemed to be the catalyst needed for The Blues to get the important 1st goal. Positioning himself in midfield, he was able to be involved in some good moves and on one such move, he made a late run into the box to meet a David Sng low cross and place it wide into goal. With this momentum, The Blues pressed on for another goal and this time, a through pass found Steve 1-on-1 with The Others' GK Joel. Steve gave Joel no chance, rifling the ball into the top of the net. With The Blues leading 2-0, some complacency set in and too many of The Blues committed themselves to attacking positions, leaving the midfield empty. The Others exploited the space, with the speedy Jingzhong, Lincoln, Zhiheng and Jeremy Tan leading the charge. Time and again, The Blues had to rely on last minute tackles and the offside trap to clear the danger, but could only hold out for so long. It was soon 2-1 when a through ball found Lincoln clean on goal and he gave GK Yuen Wai no chance. The equaliser came from a similar move. With minutes to the first half remaining, The Others even managed to take the lead. Again, it was the space available in midfield that allowed Jingzhong to weave his way through the defence and finish with Yuen Wai stranded.
The 2nd half saw some changes being made, with new players and new positions. The Blues were determined to claw their way back into the match, but their efforts were ably stopped by The Others' defenders like Wei En, Nigel, Lester and Marcus. This allowed The Others extend their lead. A number of chances fell their way with some near misses and speculative efforts from long range. The Others' 4th goal did come when The Blues' defence was unable to clear the danger quickly enough, leaving it easy for them to score. With only a few minutes remaining, The Blues finally got the goal they were pressing for. A neat move on the left saw Yi Jun shoot for goal. GK Joel parried the ball, but only into the path of both Steve and Andy, who had an easy tap-in. The field warden whistled to signal the end of the session, the score 4-3 to The Others'.
Maurice closed in a word of prayer, thanking God for the wonderful weather and an injury-free time of soccer.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Soccer Fellowship [9th Jan]
After a very long break, we look forward to have our '1st Soccer Fellowship in a long time' at the start of 2010. Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 9th January at Pasir Ris Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is between blocks 241 and 243, Tampines Street 21. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.
We will split the teams according to DARK and BRIGHT jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The car park nearest to the school field is between blocks 241 and 243, Tampines Street 21. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.
Friendly match .vs. CMC report [2nd Jan]
The 2010 competitive soccer season began with 23 players turning up for the 1st friendly of the year, again hosted by Christ Methodist Church. Their new home ground at St Patrick's School was recently re-turfed and the artificial playing surface was looking good for a run-out.
Wei En, Jingzhong, Nigel and Jeremy arrive early to kit-up
Andy shows us how to warm-up properly
After the usual warm-up and catch up after not having seen one another for quite a while, Kevin welcomed new members to the team - Neil Smith and Timothy Cheong - and gave a very brief team talk to explain how playing time would be distributed, especially with so many players present. The emphasis was to give everyone a run-out and get back into shape, both physically and technically and there would be 2 teams, each playing about 20 mins per half.
The 'younger' of the 2 teams started the 1st half well. There seemed to be quite a lot of good passing and the intent to keep the ball and use the flanks was quite evident, with both David Lim (RM) and Jingzhong (LM) seeing quite a lot of the ball. Darren (CF) also had a never of chances to run at the defence and PMC was dominating most of the play in the lst half. Kee Min (CM) and Damian (CM) were also controlling things from the middle of the park, with Jeremy (CB) and Marcus (CB) assured at the back. It was usually a stray pass that led to the breakdown of play for PMC. When CMC did have a chance to attack, the defenders dealt with the danger well. Nigel (LB) looked especially sharp in defence. It wasn't long before PMC took the lead. Daniel (RB) played a good through ball to David on the right flank. He took it past the defender, cut-in to go one-on-one with the CMC keeper and finished off with his left foot. 1 - 0 to PMC! A well-deserved lead.
It was a couple more minutes before the slightly 'older' team took the field to press PMC's advantage. The only remaining players from the 1st 25 mins was Kee Min and Felipe (GK), who up to this point was untroubled. The older legs tried to play a more passing game, with Yi Jun (LM) looking lively down the flanks and Neil (CB) and Mark (CB) easily repelling any CMC attacks. There were no clear cut chances for both teams up to half-time.
After a brief rest and team talk, the 2nd half started with the 'younger' team again taking the field 1st. Some changes included Rusydi (CM) and Bevan (AM) slotting into midfield, with Mike Chua as GK. CMC also changed almost their entire team, with some pacy players in attack. The 1st 5 mins of the match was quite even and then a flare-up took place in the middle of the field involving Bevan and a CMC player. The referee and team-mates pulled the 2 players apart, with Felipe (AM) coming on for Bevan to calm the situation. However, much to the shock of all players (both PMC and CMC), the CMC player followed Bevan off the field and attempted to assault him. More than 2 CMC players were needed to hold him back, but no one could stop him from rattling off expletives and curses at Bevan. Credit must be given to Bevan for keeping his cool and volunteering to sit out the rest of the match to try to restore calm. The match, which had been played in good spirits, was jarred by this incident.
As match got underway and the half wore on, PMC found more chances coming its way. Rusydi (CM) made some nice moves from the middle of the park and most notably, Darren (CF), Felipe (AM) and David Lim (AM) worked well together to create chances, with the CMC keeper having to pull off a wonderful save to prevent Darren from scoring. As a result of his heroics, the keeper injured himself and was substituted. PMC took the opportunity to give Marcus a run-out as keeper, with Mike Chua slotting in at RB and Daniel moving in as CB. However, this switch led to 'disaster'. A mix-up between Mike and Daniel saw Mike play the ball short to a CMC forward, who waltzed past the shocked PMC defence and easily slotted the ball into the net.
With the score at 1 - 1, the older legs once again came on, this time to try and restore PMC's lead. However, positional discipline was slightly poorer this time round and even as David Sng (CF) tried to hold up the ball in the final third, there were few options to create genuine chances. On the part of CMC, they had a number of chances which could have given them the lead, but some nice saves by Marcus (GK) and with some help from his right-hand post, PMC did not concede any more goals and the match ended 1 - 1.
Regardless of what happens on the pitch (defensive mix-up, ugly confrontation etc...) we can still sit down and have a laugh after the match. A testimony to our friendship and common goals!
Mark Leong showing us that his suspected 'permanently damaged' groin is ok!
After a brief team-talk to point out good performances and areas for improvement, all the players gathered for a short time of sharing by CMC's Pastor David Gwee. A self-professed Liverpool fan, he used the example of poor season, depression and bad things happening to illustrate the need for God to have hope in our lives. After the sharing, players had some food and drinks (thanks CMC!), fellowshipped and left for home. Overall, it was a good run-out to start the 2010 season!
The 4 Rs of Football/Soccer
As the new year begins, all of us would have likely set some goals for ourselves in various aspects of our lives. Even in soccer, it is worthwhile considering which areas of our game need improvement, regardless of whether we want to play competitively or not. Having a higher level of technique, better fitness and greater awareness of on-field positioning will simply help us to enjoy the game more. Here is a good video on the 4 Rs of Football/Soccer taken from the Nike Academy. Enjoy!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Blessed New Year!
A blessed New Year to everyone in the PMC Soccer Community. We hope that you had a good time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period.
Even as we enter 2010, let's reflect on what is really important in life and make a commitment to work on that this. In our Pastor's sermon a few weeks ago, he shared about the importance of family and loved ones, amidst the constant need to be successful in life and the pursuit of wealth. He showed this TV ad made by Petronas (yes, the Malaysian petroleum company!) as an illustration to his point. Hope you enjoy it and that it would help you reflect on what is important in your life.
Even as we enter 2010, let's reflect on what is really important in life and make a commitment to work on that this. In our Pastor's sermon a few weeks ago, he shared about the importance of family and loved ones, amidst the constant need to be successful in life and the pursuit of wealth. He showed this TV ad made by Petronas (yes, the Malaysian petroleum company!) as an illustration to his point. Hope you enjoy it and that it would help you reflect on what is important in your life.
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